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Opinion | How US’ strategy to convince China to choose a side in Ukraine conflict could backfire
- If threatened, Beijing could impose its own sanctions on American companies and cut off critical access to manufacturing capabilities and its huge consumer market
- In a worst-case scenario for the West, Beijing could choose to fully support its strategic partner Russia and openly supply it with military and economic aid
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In response to the crisis in Ukraine, the United States and its European allies have levelled unprecedented sanctions designed to isolate President Vladimir Putin and the Russian economy and inflict significant economic pressure.
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Even in the face of these sanctions, as well as private American companies such as Apple and McDonald’s leaving Russia, the Biden administration is worried that China will keep Russia’s economy afloat.
However, bringing China on board with the West against Russia is not an easy task. Moreover, the US may not appreciate the outcome of its pressure if China does pick a side, or be prepared for the fallout.
The US has been increasingly pressuring Beijing to join its efforts to isolate Russia, holding talks with Chinese officials, publicly revealing intelligence and even threatening sanctions on Chinese firms that continue to trade with Russia.
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US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan have held several meetings with their Chinese counterparts since February 24, largely to ascertain what position China would take over the Ukrainian situation.
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