China's Diplomatic Spectacle: A Cautionary Lesson for the US

As the leaders of China, Russia, and India appeared together in Tianjin, and North Korea, China, and Russia shared the stage at a Victory Day military parade in Beijing, the optics were unmistakable - China was showcasing its influence and capabilities on the global stage. This rare convergence of leaders was a deliberate display of China's growing diplomatic presence, and the world took notice. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump's absence from these events highlights the contradictions of his isolationist turn, which has pushed potential partners and allies towards Beijing and Moscow. The US must learn to balance deterrence with inducement and anchor an order that others can agree on.

Key Takeaways:

• The leaders of China, Russia, and India appeared together in Tianjin, a rare convergence that highlights China's growing diplomatic presence.
• North Korea, China, and Russia shared the stage at a Victory Day military parade in Beijing, a first in 66 years.
• US President Donald Trump's absence from these events underscores the contradictions of his isolationist turn, which has pushed potential partners and allies towards Beijing and Moscow.
• China's diplomatic spectacle demonstrates the country's ability to leverage international forums to showcase its influence and capabilities.
• India's presence in Tianjin and its warm greeting of Putin and Xi sends a signal that excessive US pressure pushes India to search for alternatives.
• Kim's appearance at the Beijing parade is also linked to Trump's choices, as North Korea can profit from the turbulence caused by US tariffs.
• The scenes from Tianjin and Beijing highlight the need for the US to act like a manager, prioritizing predictability, rulemaking, and partner welfare.
• The current unipolar order has endured for over three decades, and even Beijing, Moscow, and New Delhi are deeply enmeshed in its trade, finance, technology, and standards.
• The created order will likely feel domestic and international blowback and adjust course, reclaiming a steadier hegemonic role.

Statistics:

• The US has been engaged in strategic competition with Beijing since 2018 and reignited a broad tariff war in 2022.
• China has cast the US as the ultimate adversary and has responded with its own diplomatic efforts to build alliances with other countries.
• The US tariffs have pushed pivotal countries like India closer to Beijing and Moscow, complicating Washington's efforts to contain Beijing.

Sources:

• The Korea Herald
• Asia News Network
• Wang Son-taek, an adjunct professor at Sogang University and a former diplomatic correspondent at YTN and a former research associate at Yeosijae.