Such efforts to improve U.S.-China diplomatic relations come amid rising tensions between the two economic giants. They also parallel U.S. efforts to strengthen ties with Indo-Pacific countries to limit Beijing’s influence.
Take President Biden’s visit to India and Vietnam in September 2023 for the G20 Summit as an example. The competition between the United States and China will be the focus of Biden’s discussion. While in Asia, Biden struck deals on science, technology and supply chain security aimed at strengthening U.S. ties with India and Vietnam.
“I don’t want to contain China”, the president told reporters in Hanoi on September 10, 2023 shortly after After meeting with leaders of the Communist Party of Vietnam.
U.S. Reps. Mike Gallagher and Raja Krishnamoorthi expressed similar sentiments at an event on the House floor. council on foreign relations The next day at the New York Think Tank.
But even if the United States’ stated goal is not to limit China’s global influence, its recent agreements with India, Vietnam, and others may do just that.
What the US-led G20 deal means for China
The United States is actively looking for ways to undermine one of China’s best tools of influence: international loans.
During the G20 summit in New Delhi on September 9-10, the United States pledged help reform The World Bank and the International Monetary Fund are giving them more flexibility to lend to developing countries to finance renewable energy, climate change mitigation and critical infrastructure projects. Biden pledges first $25 billion Make these reforms possible and secure additional financial commitments from other countries to provide a total of $200 billion in new financing to developing countries over the next decade.
this The United States also signed the agreement Cooperation with the European Union, Saudi Arabia and India will help connect the Middle East, Europe and Asia through rail and ports. describe it as “real big deal” Biden said that the railway and port agreement will contribute to the stability and integration of the Middle East.
these plans Aims to provide an alternative to China’s Belt and Road Initiative. The initiative, often referred to as “One Belt, One Road,” is China’s international infrastructure lending program.Over the past decade, Chinese government agencies, banks and enterprises lent more than $1 trillion abroad, 60% Recipient country Now heavily in debt to these Chinese entities.The United States and other countries have long Criticism of “One Belt, One Road” as “debt trap diplomacy”.A study shows that the trillions of dollars of infrastructure loans provided to countries by the Chinese government and quasi-governmental agencies often leading to debt problems This is something that the borrowing country cannot manage.
As China grapples with Domestic economic slowdown, it may become more difficult for Chinese companies to continue to fund large-scale overseas projects. A new U.S.-led agreement in the G20 could fill the upcoming void.
These G20 plans complement existing Western economic initiatives to compete with the Belt and Road Initiative, including U.S. trade deals Indo-Pacific region and AmericaEuropean Union global portal and the G7 Global Infrastructure and Investment Partnership.
What the US-India deal means for China
During a meeting on the sidelines of the G20 summit, Biden and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi agreed Deepen cooperation Working on developing critical and emerging technologies such as quantum computing and space exploration as well as 5G and 6G telecommunications. This will help India compete with China in the technology space in the Indo-Pacific region.
The telecommunications section of the Biden-Modi joint statement specifically mentioned the U.S. Remove and replace Program. It is designed to help smaller telecoms companies divest technology from Chinese companies such as Huawei or ZTE and replace it with network equipment from the West to protect user data.
The United States has banned Huawei and ZTE equipment from its telecom networks, arguing that the companies national security risks. The United States and India have pledged support for “rip and replace” in direct confrontation with China’s expansion of telecom technology.
What the U.S.-Vietnam deal means for China
In Vietnam, Biden elevates bilateral ties to comprehensive strategic partnershipExpand relations with China in various fields such as economy, education, science and technology top trading partner.
The enhanced partnership includes $2 million from the United States to fund teaching laboratories and training courses in semiconductor assembly, testing and packaging.
a company in Arizona Two California companies have committed to setting up semiconductor factories and design centers in Vietnam, and U.S. artificial intelligence company Nvidia will help Vietnam integrate artificial intelligence into automobiles and health care systems.
All these investments will make Vietnam more attractive to U.S. and Western companies that don’t want China to be their only source of supply chains. As Vietnam becomes a major player in the semiconductor market, it will shrink China’s market share and its regional technology advantage.
The United States also agrees Provides nearly $9 million Assist Vietnam in patrolling waters near its borders, strengthening security at port facilities, and stepping up efforts to combat illegal, unregulated and unreported fishing (IUUF).Although not explicitly mentioned, China is a target of the initiative; China and Vietnam continue to be at loggerheads over sovereignty disputes Nansha Islands In the South China Sea, Chinese industrial fishing vessels are The biggest culprit Number of IUUF worldwide.
By signing these agreements at the G20 summits in India and Vietnam, the United States has expanded its circle of allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific region, helping to balance China.
Vice President Kamala Harris had a similar diplomatic achievement at a recent diplomatic conference ASEAN Summit In Indonesia; security partnerships, e.g. AUKUS, between the United States, Australia and the United Kingdom,as well as foursomebetween the United States, India, Australia and Japan; increasing arms sales and training Taiwan; and the most recent camp david The United States is forging partnerships across Asia amid Biden’s meetings with Japan and South Korea.
These actions are intended to limit China’s political, economic and military power, even if U.S. leaders have not made it clear that this is their intention. Regardless of rhetoric, actions speak louder than words.
Leland Lazarus He is the deputy director of the National Security Agency, florida international university.
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