The Covid-19 pandemic could result in a reshuffling of the geopolitical cards in favour of China. The country continues to welcome global trade, while the US is becoming more inward-looking. A consequence of this inward approach is increased pressure on the Australian-US security relationship. An agreement between the two countries under the Joint Strike Fighter project was for Australia to manufacture parts of the F-35 fighter. In return Australia would buy the finished product. It seems that the US is about to renege on this agreement, which would make it less reliable [US Continues Retreat from Global Stage as China-Iran Forge 25-Year Deal] .
Sino-US tensions are also visible in Israel, where the US uses its influence to dissuade Israel to be open to certain Chinese investments [Israel and the Middle East amid U.S.-China competition]. Meanwhile, China’s security role in Africa is increasing, as it supplies African countries with arms and advise on security matters, and regional security organizations with financial aid [China’s growing peace and security role in Africa]. This helps China to improve its access to natural resources and strengthen its position within the UN.
Meanwhile it seems that the EU is redefining its position regarding China [If push comes to shove, less China]. A clear position on China would provide answers to some difficult questions: Where does the EU stand regarding Hong Kong? How to deal with Huawei? What is the EU’s position on US-China geopolitical rivalry?
It is not just our daily lives that are being disrupted in 2020, but also the global order.
Ali Çikmazkara
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