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US-China Relations: Biden doesn’t want a third war, says strategic affairs expert Brahma Chellaney
KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)
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Summary
Blinken’s arrival in China, his second visit within a year, was met with a lukewarm reception by Chinese authorities. This visit comes at a critical juncture as both nations endeavour to enhance communication channels and navigate contentious issues, including China’s support for Russia, its activities in the South China Sea, and its stance towards Taiwan.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s recent visit to Beijing has sparked speculation and analysis, particularly in the context of escalating global tensions. In the backdrop of ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the West Asia, Blinken’s trip symbolises President Biden’s strategic diplomatic outreach to China, aiming to stabilise the complex relations between the two superpowers.
Strategic affairs expert Brahma Chellaney emphasised the significance of Biden’s approach, citing America’s current engagements in multiple theatres of conflict. “The fact is that Biden, because of America’s preoccupation with two wars—the war in Ukraine, and also America’s growing involvement in the conflict in the Middle East—looks overextended,” Chellaney remarked. “It doesn’t want a third war to erupt. If China were to attack Taiwan, that would result in America’s direct involvement in a war with China. So to dissuade Xi Jinping from attacking Taiwan, Biden is relying more on diplomacy than on deterrence.”
Blinken’s arrival in China, his second visit within a year, was met with a lukewarm reception by Chinese authorities. This visit comes at a critical juncture as both nations endeavour to enhance communication channels and navigate contentious issues, including China’s support for Russia, its activities in the South China Sea, and its stance towards Taiwan.
Chellaney highlighted the evolving dynamics between China and Russia, characterising their alliance as a significant challenge for Washington. “The China-Russia alliance is the worst strategic nightmare for Washington,” Chellaney asserted. “This war in Ukraine is bringing China and Russia closer together.” He further pointed out Secretary Blinken’s recent remarks attributing China as the primary contributor to Russia’s defense industrial base, indicating a concerning collaboration between the two powers.
Chellaney, further highlighted that it’s evident that China’s support for Russia’s military endeavours, particularly in Ukraine, aims to constrain US involvement in global conflicts and potentially pave the way for assertive actions, such as the absorption of Taiwan. “Xi Jinping has been saying quite openly… that China will absorb Taiwan,” Chellaney revealed, underscoring the gravity of the situation.
Blinken’s visit coincided with significant legislative action in the United States, as the Senate passed a $95 billion emergency aid package for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan. The package was signed into law by President Biden on Wednesday. Additionally, the legislation includes provisions that could lead to the ban of the popular Chinese-owned app TikTok unless it separates from its parent company ByteDance Ltd.
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