The Biden administration has singled out China as “the biggest geopolitical test” to US preeminence in the 21st century, and has expanded military, economic and sanctions pressure against the Asian nation during its first two months in office. The People's Republic has responded by shoring up regional partnerships and relations with trade partners.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has accused China of trying to undermine the US-led world order, and of failing to “play by the rules” established in the post-World War II period.
The diplomat, who flew to Europe last week to meet with NATO and European Union leaders, promised that the US would not force allies to “choose” between Washington and Beijing, and suggested that America's goal was “not to contain China or keep it down”, but “preserve the rules-based international order, in which we have all invested so much over the past 75 years, and which has served our interests and values well”.
During his European trip, Blinken said that the US wants to work with its allies on “how to advance our shared economic interests and to counter some of China's aggressive and coercive actions.”
Relations between the West and China hit a low point unseen since the 1989 crackdown on a colour revolution attempt on Tiananmen Square this month amid a series of tit-for-tat sanctions as the US, the EU, Britain and Canada teamed up to accuse China of…
