2 Comments

Very interesting. It seems to me (and I confess to limited knowledge here) that such a coalition would depend on fairly strong mutual trust among its participants. The parties would have to be confident that cooperation would be strong, free riding would be limited, and that sellouts would be rare. I don't see these conditions obtaining in Asia; regardless of how they feel about China, Asian states generally seem to have quite limited trust in each other. Even those states directly impacted by China's bullying in the South China Sea have largely failed to organize a collective response.

Do Asian states even see China as a threat? Does it make much difference to them which power is the global hegemon?

Expand full comment

Another interesting read. That’s why I’ve asked for paid prescription on this platform for my Christmas present!

It seems to me that an anti-Chinese bullying coalition will take a lot of work. Nevertheless, China’s conduct has led to a lot of resentment in a lot of countries. The most recent global surveys but Pew ought to give Chinese diplomats and leaders pause for thought but I’m inclined to think they are foolish enough not to care. But after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine I suspect there is a lot less enthusiasm for indulging bullies in Europe.

Up to now China’s success has been based on the perception that it is an irresistible economic juggernaut. Perhaps that perception will change. It’s economic growth is not looking as robust as it did 5 years ago, it’s economy is about to take a massive COVID hit and the demographic hit (too many oldies, not enough tax payers) looks to be coming quicker than expected. I rather suspect that once China finds its economic muscle is not as fearsome, it will find that it doesn’t have very many friends at all.

Expand full comment