ANI |
Updated: Dec 09, 2024 18:12 IST
Hong Kong, December 9 (ANI): Much of the gloss has faded from China and Chairman Xi Jinping‘s dream of an irrepressible rise to the pinnacle of world power. Poor handling of the COVID-19 crisis, a struggling economy, difficult demographic realities, social disillusionment at home, aggrieved neighbors over China’s poor behavior and aggression, tensions with the USA and international realpolitik are all conspiring to make life extremely difficult for China.
Xi’s work report at last year’s 20th Party Congress admitted for the first time that China “faces high winds, choppy waters and dangerous storms”. This has become ever more evident throughout 2024. Yet instead of modifying its approach or showing a modicum of humility, Beijing continues to cajole and blame others for its woes.
As one example, Xie Feng, China’s ambassador to the USA, tweeted, “FM [Foreign Minister] Wang said the future direction of China-US relations depends on the choices made by Washington…” He added, “It’s hoped that the US side will work with China in the same direction,” and that the incoming US administration would “handle its first steps in China-US relations properly”.
Nicholas Burns, the US ambassador to China, promptly replied, “Actually, the future of US-China relations depends on choices China makes too. Will China stop its support for Russia’s brutal war in Ukraine? Stop its bullying of the Philippines? Both sides have choices to make.”
China has been very clear in its choices. Right from the beginning, Xi has profoundly supported tsarist comrade Vladimir Putin as he prosecutes his bloody war against Ukraine. Of course, Beijing has pretended to be a neutral party, but it is not. Showing its true colors and its affinity with any who oppose the West, China has also supported other despots such as those ruling North Korea, Syria and Iran.
To give one pertinent example, Xi met Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in the city of Hangzhou in September 2023 and established a China-Syria strategic partnership. State media recorded, “Xi noted that the establishment of the strategic partnership will be an important milestone in the history of bilateral ties.”
The official account of their meeting continued: “Xi emphasized that China will continue to work with Syria to firmly support each other on issues concerning the two sides’ respective core interests and major concerns, safeguard the common interests of both countries and other developing countries, and uphold international fairness and justice”.
Beijing declared it supported Syria in opposing foreign interference, rejecting unilateralism and bullying, and safeguarding national independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity.
For his part, Assad, a butcher credited with a war resulting in the deaths of over half a million Syrians – more than half of which are civilians,
How is China responding to the challenges it faces, according to Professor Doe’s analysis?
## Interview: China’s Troubled Rise
**Host:** Welcome back to the show, today we’re discussing the shifting landscape of China’s global aspirations. Joining us is Professor Jane Doe, a leading expert on East Asian politics. Professor Doe, thank you for being here.
**Professor Doe:** It’s a pleasure to be here.
**Host:** Let’s dive right in. Recent reports from news outlets like ANI paint a picture of a less-assured China than perhaps anticipated a few years ago. Can you elaborate on the challenges facing the nation currently?
**Professor Doe:** That’s right. The narrative of an unstoppable Chinese rise has definitely taken some hits in 2024. While China was certainly an economic powerhouse, the COVID-19 pandemic exposed vulnerabilities in its system. Economic growth has slowed, youth unemployment is high, and demographic pressures thanks to an aging population are mounting. There’s also growing international concern over China’s increasingly assertive foreign policy, especially its territorial disputes and tensions with the US. As ANI mentioned, even Xi Jinping himself acknowledged these headwinds in his report last year.
**Host:** And how is China responding to these challenges?
**Professor Doe:** Well, there’s a noticeable tendency towards deflecting blame. We see this in the tweet you mentioned from Ambassador Xie Feng, placing the onus for improving US-China relations entirely on Washington. Instead of introspection or any move towards moderation, China seems to be doubling down on their existing policies, which may not be sustainable in the long run.
**Host:** So, what does the future hold for China?
**Professor Doe:** It’s a complex situation with no easy answers. China is at a crossroads. They can choose to confront these challenges head-on, engaging in meaningful dialog and adjusting their policies. Or they can continue down the current path, hoping to power through these difficulties. The choice they make will have significant repercussions not just for China, but for the global order as a whole.
**Host:** Professor Doe, thank you for sharing your insightful analysis.
