China will exploit COVID-19 as diplomatic opportunity

Subject

Chinese overseas aid in the COVID-19 pandemic.

Significance

China is positioning itself as a leader in the global response to the COVID-19 pandemic, drawing on its industrial base to ramp up production and exports to equipment-starved countries around the world. Decades of manufacturing offshoring have left the United States unable to meet its own need for critical medical supplies and ensure the security of others during this crisis.

Impacts

• There may be other industries besides medical supplies that are not generally seen as ‘critical’ but could become so in a time of crisis.
• Washington’s growing fixation on confronting Beijing will divert it from leadership in global governance.
• China’s diplomacy will be undermined by strident expressions of nationalism that show it as unprepared for global leadership.
• The more bilateral ties deteriorate, the fewer reasons Beijing and Washington have to step back from confrontation.