Juveniles On The Chessboard Of International Diplomacy

Here we go again. This week there will be another ‘act’ in the stage play that is China-US governmental discourse. And what is sad about that is the theme has not changed. It will of course never change, because one side, no naming is required, cannot escape from their self-established role as perpetual juveniles playing on the chessboard of international diplomacy.

‘Blinken’s China visit highlights US needs to cooperate with China on domestic, intl issues’ – Global Times – April 21, 2024

Yes, of course they do, and now as perhaps never before. But the question, needing no answer in reality, is – drum roll – CAN THEY (cooperate)? No, of course they bloody can’t. It is not in their DNA to do so.

I will leave any explanation of that in detail to the Global Times article. The Chinese know exactly what is and will happen. I’m sure they have the right answers already lined up. And I am equally sure that this time there will be some surprises for poor, dear Anthony – who is these days looking ever more perplexed and unsure as to what his role is meant to be and exactly why he is still there doing it, now with no expectation of success.

With every subsequent high level meeting between these two nations the Chinese are growing stronger and the US position becoming ever weaker. Threats, veiled or otherwise, no longer carry the weight they once may have. China will no longer allow itself to be condescendingly talked down to. Below is an encapsulating quote from the Global Times article, which neatly explains the position.

Before US Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s upcoming visit to China, US officials adopted their usual tactic of using harsh language to apply pressure on China, expressing so-called strong concerns about China’s support for Russia and the Taiwan question. Chinese observers stated that the recent frequent visits of Blinken and a string of US officials to China recently indicate that Washington is unable to solve domestic and global issues without cooperation from China. Therefore, when seeking help from Beijing, the US would be wise to communicate with China respectfully and as equals, rather than condescendingly. 

I think I will leave it there because the next arising thought would be what to do about the apparent impasse, and the solutions which come to mind are not entirely pleasant. Somehow or other the obstacle – which is US obstinacy – must be removed (there being no ‘workaround’), but I’m fairly sure the Chinese will have some form of long-term plan and the patience to wait for it to evolve. There may not be long to wait and any alternative could get very messy. It probably will get very messy of course, but that need not excessively involve action by China.

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