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My Take | What does China really mean when it calls on other countries to be ‘rational’?
- China often calls upon other nations to be ‘rational’ when their actions run counter to Beijing’s goals
- Such requests rarely seem sincere when they essentially ask other nations to act against their own interests
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China frequently calls upon other countries to be “rational”, but it is worth asking whether it is applying the same standard to its own actions.
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Beijing’s requests for rationality are usually made of countries that China deems to be acting against its interests, and they are often made in the midst of controversies – from maritime disputes to espionage allegations – in which their interests have come into conflict.
But since most countries already act rationally in seeking to maximise their own interests, China calling on its counterparts to be “rational” often turns out to be ineffectual, appearing more like strategic positioning rather than a genuine appeal for calm.
Last week, Beijing urged Hungary, which is slated to assume the rotating presidency of the European Union in July, to promote a “rational and friendly view” and adopt a “more pragmatic China policy”.
This came shortly after EU competition regulators raided the offices of Chinese company Nuctech in the Netherlands and Poland on April 23 to investigate allegations of unfair state subsidies.
The day before that, German authorities arrested three German-nationals on suspicion of espionage for Beijing, while British officials charged two men under the Official Secrets Act for allegedly spying on behalf of China.
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