Chinese ambassador to France and wolf warrior diplomat Lu Shaye recently sparked a furor with his claim that post-Soviet countries have no effective status as sovereign nations, putting both French President Emmanuel Macron as well as Beijing in difficult positions. How can China repair the damage?
Diplomacy
Politics
French President Emmanuel Macron has integrated de Gaulle’s anti-US sentiments and Mao’s spirit of daring to fight against a major power into his comments during his recent China trip, says Chinese commentator Jin Jian Guo. However, a deeper analysis shows that Macron does not truly understand these various actors on the global stage, including China.
Politics
Washington and Beijing — like Indonesian voters — are getting to know more about Indonesia’s prospective presidential candidates. How are each of them likely to move in terms of relations with the US and China, and what support are they likely to get in return?
Politics
It appears that China and North Korea are in a renewed honeymoon phase, with a possible China-North Korea summit on the cards. This may not necessarily be all bad, says Japanese academic Atsuhito Isozaki.
Politics
China is far from possessing the ability, experience and resources to maintain and safeguard the global order. Thus, it is in its own interest to continue supporting the US as the global leader. Even so, amid a challenging international climate, China can no longer maintain a low profile. It needs to improve its global image and quell fears of the China threat. More importantly, the CCP should resist its internal urge to go all out on its fighting philosophy, which may likely win itself more enemies than friends.
Politics
Even as Asia-Pacific countries want to focus on trade and economic cooperation, geopolitical tussling — especially between the US and China — has got in the way of such efforts. Former journalist and MP Goh Choon Kang says that at a time when arms dealers have apparently become peacemakers, countries of this region must stay focused and not be sidetracked and dictated by the powers.
Politics
Academic Ma Haiyun explains how the Saudi-Iran detente is the experiment and application of China’s GSI with a focus on national and regime security, when Saudi Arabia, Iran and China have been facing increasing security challenges from the US and the West.
Politics
French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to China was productive in several ways, with personal interaction between the two countries’ leaders as well as various agreements signed. However, the rest of Europe may not agree with Macron’s comments following the visit.
Politics
Academic Naoise McDonagh points out that China gains little by laying the red carpet for European country heavyweights like France, while slighting the EU, as seen from the recent visits of French President Emmanuel Macron and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. While von der Leyen herself is known to be more hawkish towards China, she does represent the EU, which is taken to have the majority of EU countries agreement on EU positions. China’s approach can only weaken its efforts to better engage the Europeans.