China has four tricks, Australian media: resolving US containment of Australia | Beijing | US
On July 19th, the Australian "Dialogue" website published an article titled "How will China change its foreign policy to counter Western efforts to" contain "China?" The author is Associate Professor Yuan Jindong from the Center for International Security Studies at the University of Sydney, Australia. The full text is excerpted as follows:
At the recent NATO summit, member countries criticized China's coercive policies for challenging NATO's interests, security, and values. At the same time, NATO member states have pledged to engage in "constructive engagement" with this rapidly rising superpower.
Nevertheless, Beijing has strongly responded to NATO's statement, accusing it of "distorting, smearing, and fabricating lies" against China, and warning NATO not to expand in the Asia Pacific region.
China's strong response reflects its serious concern about the global challenges it faces. These challenges include: an expanding network of US led alliances and security partnerships, such as the Quadripartite Security Dialogue and the Anglo Australian Alliance, whose purpose, if not to contain, is to restrict China; The United States and the European Union will adopt policies of "risk reduction" and "diversification" of their supply chains to reduce dependence on China and strengthen restrictive export control regulations imposed by the United States on high-tech transfer or exchange.
Beijing is now adopting more proactive and confident diplomatic measures to counter the US containment. When it comes to this constantly changing foreign policy, I have observed at least four strategies.
Firstly, China focuses on its own region and utilizes its own advantages.
Beijing recognizes that, given the importance of the region to China's security and economic interests, China must focus its diplomatic efforts on Asia.
China is deepening its economic relations with the regional group of ten ASEAN countries, while also supporting ASEAN's core position in the regional security architecture. ASEAN is concerned about being embroiled in the US China conflict and being forced to take sides. ASEAN is also concerned that US led security talks among the four sides may weaken ASEAN's role in the region.
At the same time, China has been actively promoting the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement.
Secondly, Beijing is strengthening its diplomatic work with Europe.
Since the adjustment of the COVID-19 epidemic prevention policy, Beijing has welcomed world leaders, received business groups and promoted trade and investment opportunities in China, especially in Europe. Europe has always been a focus of Beijing's recent diplomacy. These efforts have enabled China to deepen its economic relations with Europe.
Thirdly, from energy supply to military technology cooperation, Russia remains a crucial strategic partner for China.
Fourthly, China is elevating itself to become a global leader. China is more confident and proactive in promoting its global governance model in areas such as security, development, and social construction.
