China's Global Ambitions: Balancing Act or Destabilizing Force?
- Evelyn J. Kim
- Sep 12, 2024
- 2 min read
Xi Jinping and U.S National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan August 2024
This past week professor Boduszynski came to visit my global scholar class. We discussed a wide range of issues, from the remnants of Cold War animosity to NATO and Taiwan. But what intrigued me the most, was our discussion of China’s role in a global context (specifically as a facilitator). Given that we had covered China’s role in facilitating the 14 Palestinian factions in conversation and the brief touch on the topic during Professor Buduszynski, the topic rested in the back of my mind. However further research has led me to a different nuance.
In recent years, China’s President Xi Jinping has intensified efforts to reshape the global order, challenging the long-standing U.S.-led international system. However, this shift raises critical questions about China’s true intentions and the potential consequences for global stability. While Xi is attempting to present himself as a proponent of peace and diplomatic solutions, his actions, particularly in fostering closer ties with controversial leaders like Russia’s Vladmir Putin, paint a more complex picture.
The recent visit in late August of U.S National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan to Beijing highlighted thee concerns. Central to the discussion was China’s support for Russia amid the Ukraine conflict, with Sullivan emphasizing the importance of European security to American foreign policy. The outcome of these talks remains foggy, and some analysts speculate Beijing may be waiting for the results of the upcoming U.S. presidential election before making significant moves.
Regardless of the U.S., Xi Jinping continues to strengthen relationships with Russia and Iran, seemingly undeterred by any ongoing conflicts. Given this behavior, some experts have questioned whether China is deliberately promoting instability to expand its influence.
Nevertheless, China's reluctance to curb the aggressive actions of its partners is concerning. Hopes that Beijing might leverage its relationship with Moscow to help end the Ukraine conflict have largely dissipated. Similarly, attempts to persuade Iran to rein in Houthi attacks in the Red Sea have yielded little result.
Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi stands next to Chinese President Xi Jinping during a welcoming ceremony in Beijing, China
The economic aspect of China's relationships with sanctioned countries like Russia and Iran is particularly problematic. By maintaining trade, China indirectly facilitates its ability to engage in or sponsor conflicts. The U.S. has responded by imposing sanctions on entities believed to be aiding Russia's military capabilities, but Beijing criticizes these measures as unilateral abuse.
Despite tensions, both sides express a desire to establish a baseline for the relationship to prevent further deterioration. However, fundamental shifts in dynamics remain elusive.
Looking ahead, Xi faces a critical choice that will define China's global role. Will China emerge as the stabilizing force Xi often speaks of, or will it continue to tolerate and potentially benefit from the chaos created by its allies? The answer will have profound implications for global order and stability, shaping not just China's future but the international landscape for years to come.
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