Link to article: https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-japan-asia-india-china-e71b3f02f8bd30a36dac42309896a115
While the Russian-Ukrainian crisis evolves, China continues to encroach on territories in the South China Sea and Taiwan. Amid the West’s efforts to thwart China’s increasing influence, a high-ranking Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi criticized the U.S., Japan, Australia, and India, saying they are using North Korea as a “bargaining chip”. Yi accused the U.S. of trying to create a NATO-esque pact in Asia to reduce China’s influence. He called on the Biden administration to revert to more diplomatic methods of resolving its conflicts with China. Additionally, Yi strengthened his argument by calling on outside countries to stay out of China’s conflicts. Adding to the tension between the “Quad” and China is China’s midline approach to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. They have taken a relatively moderate approach to the issue, sympathizing a little with Russia, saying they understand their security concerns.
China’s reaction to this situation is not surprising, given the U.S. is undoubtedly improving relations with China’s other adversaries in an attempt to subvert China’s growing global dominance. However, I predict the diplomatic relations between China and the U.S. will still continue to remain in their current condition despite Yi sparring with the U.S.’ administration. The strengthening of ties with Japan, Australia, and India will give the U.S. a greater chance at thwarting China’s increasingly potent global influence. The strategic location of countries in the “quad” is of concern for China. If prompted, the members of the “quad” could subvert China’s oceanic trade routes. I’m interested to see how the U.S. relations with India will affect relations with Pakistan. U.S.-Pakistani relations will likely continue to decline, but I believe that it is more important for the U.S. to continue to maintain its hegemony. I recently read an article about the U.S. improving relations with the Solomon Islands, which is in conjunction with U.S. efforts to improve relations with the “quad.”
Class lectures and discussions have often focused on the geopolitical importance of Asia’s waters, and the geopolitical reasoning behind U.S. diplomacy with Asian countries. Additionally, this article is a demonstration of the Sea Power Theory. Discussed in class, the theory provides the premise that the U.S. will provide a balance to Russia and China’s power through sea routes. Both countries, interestingly enough, currently have border encroachment crises ongoing, a demonstration that the various tactics utilized by the U.S. and its allies are prompting the two countries to seek methods to subvert our “checks.” The Heartland Theory additionally provides reasoning Russia or China posing large threats to sovereignty.