China Is Maneuvering for International Leadership as the United States Falters, notes an article in Foreign Affairs dated 18 March, 2020 - The Coronavirus Could Reshape Global Order.
The piece flags up China's initial coverup and its subsequent turning of the table on Western narratives. Boosted by its position as the world's dominant producer of critical anti-virus equipment and supplies, China is positioning itself as a global saviour as much of the West, especially the United States, is overwhelmed by sheer lack of preparedness, worry over economic interests, and a certain amount of wishful thinking.
The EU has recently sounded warning bells about China's geopolitical ambitions as it emerges from the crisis. While many countries are benefitting from China's timely supply of medical equipment, especially life-saving ventilators, there is growing international momentum involving China and other countries to coordinate efforts, and share experience, expertise and research for an effective vaccine. The G20 video conferencing on 26 March is an important milestone.
As the Southern Hemisphere is beginning to stand on edge, the crisis seems just unfolding. There is critical demand for more WHO monitoring, openness of testing statistics, joint research into the virus's origin and behaviour, more emphasis on human lives, and greater leadership of the world's two superpowers - the United States and China.
What's more, it's important to remember viruses have no borders. Before raising accusing fingers, it is instructive to recall where the 2009-10 global H1N1 "swine fever" first started to spread, infecting some 1.3 billion people worldwide and causing well over half a million deaths.
In any event, when the crisis is all over, the world will not be the same again.
A new world order is already emerging. Economic gravitas has been shifting away from developed countries. They are no longer key drivers of global growth. More countries will become sensitive to external dependence, especially on critical health and security architecture.
On the other hand, the whole world will become even more connected thanks to new digital technologies. Supply and value chains may change but they have become intricately intertwined across the globe that complete decoupling is unlikely to be possible. More people will become aware of each other country's interdependence, thanks to the Coronavirus and growing threats of Climate Change.
China, for one, seems more prepared than others to embrace a looming Brave New World. China in a new Era of Global Disruptions, my latest PowerPoint presentation, may offer more food for thought.
