As a double major in Asian Studies and International Relations, I have intertwined both majors in a way that aligns with each other. I have concentrated majority of my studies around East Asian culture and relations with the United States. Although, I must admit, my knowledge about Sino-US Relations is not as sharp as it is with Japan-US or South and North Korea-US Relations. Throughout my journey in the International Relations department one question always seems to arise: will the rising tension between China and the United States cause a Cold War? Furthermore, is China on its way to becoming the next superpower?
I appreciated the panelists as they approached the topic with an ease that should put all concerns of a Sino-U.S. Cold War to temporarily rest. As it was said in the panel, China has overextended itself and has reached a limit. Instead of promoting good will in a global stage, China has done the opposite and built distrust by promoting China's Communist Party. This international distrust of China has had an effect on its economy. While China's rise to power derived mainly from its rapid economic growth, today China's economy begins to slow. China's premature solution to use money to solve its issues has diminished and China is no longer seen as highly aggressive, but as an emerging superpower with a lot of weaknesses.
When the United States had no interest in Africa, China began to build up Africa and make its presence known. However, anti-African acts preformed by Chinese civilians made Africa rethink its ties with China which caused a major setback in their relations. Other Asian countries like Japan and Vietnam have made efforts to combat China if necessary. For example, Japan switched from a defensive approach to China to an offensive-defensive approach if China were to threaten Japan’s national interest. Similarly, Vietnam has purchased submarines from Russia to aid itself against China if there is any dispute over the South China Sea.
Furthermore, China passing a law that would allow for persecution of any individual in any country upon return or visitation to China is highly criticized by an international audience; it is highly idiotic and detrimental in international law. It is an obvious attempt for China to maintain its CCP image and persecute those who are in support of the Hong Kong riots and democracy in China’s territories and mainland. Teachers in Beijing that show support for the Hong Kong demonstrators are fired or disciplined, even if this is done privately and away from students. This has lead to less academic freedom. The response to this is to form solidarity and collective action.
Before this panel, I was not aware of this law and I will definitely be able to apply this panel in my classes and in furthering my career in Asian Studies and International Relations. I am also inspired to research more into Sino-US Relations and to further my knowledge on Chinese culture and history. More so, this panel has helped me realized that Chinese issues are not only crucial to the United States and other Asian countries, but to the rest of the world as well.
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