Wall Street is talking up India’s emergence as a key engine of global economic growth, amid high hopes for Modi’s third term. On Xi’s watch, China’s self-inflicted wounds from “zero Covid” chaos to the tech crackdown have only added to India’s appeal
That Washington can count on its allies in case of a war over Taiwan is a best-case scenario – and more likely, wishful thinking. For Washington, the biggest strategic ambiguity is whether a stronger China will become more confident about peaceful reunification or more impatient and resort to force.
In dialling back the possibility of more US bases and dialling up a commitment to diplomacy with China, Marcos is offering a path to de-escalation. In turn, Beijing could rein in its aggressive tactics in the South China Sea and explore genuine economic cooperation.