The many conflicts around the world could be seen as a new, albeit fragmented, world war in a period marked by political instability, increased military spending and a decline in trust in traditional conflict resolution mechanisms. China does not want to be the global cop, but is committed to peace.
Despite the results of Saturday’s election, many young Taiwanese have come to recognise the benefits of reunification. Both sides could sit down and talk soon, but if the DPP continues to push for independence, a military resolution would be on the cards.
While a fuller assessment of this ambitious initiative will only be possible with time, its benefits so far cannot be denied. More importantly, the belt and road shows the rise of China has brought not colonial conquests or wars, but trade, tourism, infrastructure and economic growth.
The news coming out of the world’s largest economy – from mass shootings to a divided political system – has heightened young Chinese’s unfavourable view of the US. The recent Summit for Democracy appears to be little more than a moralising platform to sell a political system that is far from ideal.
The relentless China bashing that has given way to tit-for-tat military posturing is depressing, as closed mindsets feed paranoia. That US-China trade has grown despite the tensions signals the strong natural drive for partnership and cooperation.
From China’s socialist path to Latin America’s left turn and Asean’s neutral stance, more countries are quietly but firmly spurning the Western world order.
American rhetoric about the threat of China and attempts to counter its power are both bewildering and frustrating for ordinary Chinese people. A population that once looked up to the US now looks on aghast at the violence perpetuated both within and outside its borders.
In addition to sparking a humanitarian crisis and reviving the nuclear threat, the war in Ukraine is causing widespread food shortages and has stifled cooperation in the fight against climate change. With the pandemic still raging, global events have coalesced to create a perfect storm.
