U.S. aims to leverage Russia-Ukraine bloc against China
The Hindu
United States will lay out a three-pillar approach to competing with China in a race to define the 21st century’s economic and military balance
United States officials say the Biden administration is aiming to lead the international bloc opposed to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine into a broader coalition to counter what it sees as a more serious, long-term threat to global order from China.
The officials said Secretary of State Antony Blinken will lay out a three-pillar approach to competing with Beijing in a race to define the 21st century’s economic and military balance in a Thursday speech outlining the administration’s China policy.
While the U.S. sees Russia as the most acute and immediate threat to international stability, the officials said the administration believes China poses a greater danger and is marshaling its resources, friends and allies to push back on increasing Chinese assertiveness around the world.
The officials acknowledged that the U.S. has limited ability to directly influence China's intentions and ambitions. They said the administration would focus instead on shaping the strategic environment around China.
The officials spoke to reporters on the condition of anonymity to preview Mr. Blinken's speech, to be delivered at George Washington University. The speech follows President Joe Biden's just-concluded visits to South Korea and Japan, where China loomed large in discussions.
Mr. Biden raised eyebrows during that trip when he said that the United States would act militarily to help Taiwan defend itself in the event of an invasion by China, which regards the island as a renegade province.
The administration scrambled to insist that Mr. Biden was not changing American policy and the officials said Mr. Blinken will restate that the U.S. has not changed its position. Mr. Blinken will say that Washington still holds to its “One China” policy, which recognises Beijing but allows for unofficial links with and arms sales to Taipei.