China vs US Cold War — All is Game
Unlike in business and entrepreneurship where competition benefits the final consumer, it is not so much in international politics. The competition between the United States and China is unlikely to benefit citizens of low-income countries whose political structures have faulty foundations
I got reminded of this upon news that China will provide Myanmar with $6M to fund development projects. This was as a response to the $50M the United States announced yesterday it would send to the country as part of efforts to support COVID-19 victims, which was in response to the existing deal between China and Myanmar’s military junta.
You would recall that on February 1, the armed forces in Myanmar carried out a coup d’état, their first against a civilian government since 1962, after the military-backed party performed poorly in last November’s general election. Aung San Suu Kyi, 1991 Nobel Peace Prize winner, who won the election was detained.
Since then, more than 800 people have been killed and 6000 arrested by security forces.These were mainly protesters who wanted the democratically elected leader released and democracy restored. Even a 14-year old whose only pro-democracy activism is via tiktok videos was shot inside her parents’ house.
Several countries including the United States and European Union, and more than 100 non-governmental organizations, including Amnesty International, had strongly condemned the coup. But in a move predictably China, the UN Security Council statement condemning the military coup was blocked by the Xi Jinping government. As one of five permanent members of the council, China has the power of veto. In layman terms, all five members have to agree on any decision to be taken.
And not long after, China resumed state-level engagements and economic activity with Myanmar, refrained from criticizing the military. In June, the China’s ambassador to Myanmar, met coup leader and military commander-in-chief Min Aung Hlaing in Naypyidaw, the capital. In a subsequent statement, Chen referred to Min Aung Hlaing as the leader of Myanmar.
It is therefore no surprise that the United States known for its hard stance against regimes not beholding to it is softening. Prior to China’s intervention, Biden had issued an executive order that will prevent Myanmar’s generals from accessing $1 billion in assets in the United States. Biden, talking tough, said,
“The military must relinquish power it seized and demonstrate respect for the will of the people of Burma.”
Now, it’s released $50 million in aid to the country, to be overseen by the junta, of course.
Afghanistan is going the same way too. After Biden announced that it would be pulling the military out of the country by August 31, tired of the war that has lasted 13 years, the Chinese swooped in. On July 28, China invited the Taliban to Beijing to discuss possible collaboration. In defiance of America, the Taliban sees China as a source of international legitimacy, a potential economic supporter and a means of influence over Pakistan, a Chinese ally that has aided the group.
The United States which thought the Taliban will be at its mercy as it thinks up sanctions is now having the Biden team rethink its strategy on how to approach the after-troop-withdrawal situation in Afghanistan, with China now in the equation.
The Taliban ideology includes public executions of convicted murderers and adulterers, and amputations for those found guilty of theft. Men are required to grow beards and women have to wear the all-covering burka. The Taliban also ban television, music and cinema, and disapprove of girls going to school.
China and the United States, just like in Myanmar, are unlikely to consider this ideology as they wage the new cold war.
This is the new world we live in.
