The SCO’s expansion and cooperation efforts are cementing its standing as a credible multilateral platform focused on maintaining security, stability and development in Eurasia. The Samarkand summit should also be seen as a step towards the development of a more inclusive and diverse global governance model.
Despite much talk of economic engagement and assurances that the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework is ‘not about China’, the US approach in Southeast Asia seems to be largely about the politicisation of trade and technology issues. Asean wants tangible trade benefits, not more pressure to choose a side.
Imran Khan was seen as a breath of fresh air by young Pakistanis, but resented by the political elite and military for building ties with Russia and China over traditional ally the US. Economic turmoil provided the grounds for removing Khan, but the new government may struggle to hold onto power.
The world’s two largest economies, and biggest carbon emitters, have the political and economic clout to push the developed world to taken financial responsibility for the years of emissions that have contributed to climate change.
The UK is struggling to find a balance between its traditional alliance with the US and China’s economic opportunities. Britain must have a clear, coherent China strategy as it cannot afford to antagonise the ‘growth engine of the world’.
The trade war has its roots in Donald Trump’s wrong-headed obsession with trade deficits. Worryingly, under Joe Biden, the US trade strategy on China continues to disappoint American business. It’s time to ditch the tariffs.