Today we resume our weekly series on what the world will look like in the post COVID-19
era. Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the world's biggest
economies: the United States and China are waging proxy wars in trade, technology, geopolitical
influence and the World Health Organization,... bickering over who's to blame for the COVID-19
outbreak. The conflict comes at the worst possible time
when global coordination is needed for a joint response to beat the virus, stabilize economies
as well as develop a working vaccine. Will the rivalry escalate into an all-out
Cold War and will there be a winner? Or will it lead to disaster for all?
We discuss this issue with Dr. Mark Shanahan, Associate Professor of Politics at the University
of Reading in the UK and Dr. Peter Rough,... the former director of research in the Office
of George W. Bush and a senior fellow at Hudson Institute in Washington, D.C.
1. The rivalry between the United States and China most recently took stage at the World
Health Organization’s annual summit.Dr. Shanahan: Why are the two countries choosing
to wage this battle now? 2. P. Rough: Why are Presidents Trump and
Xi so eager to point the finger? What are they aiming to gain from this blame game?
3. P. Rough: And their trade war seems to be back on. Many observers seem to agree that
a decoupling is not easy to pull off and a prolonged trade dispute won't benefit either
side. But this time around, rather than the usual tariffs, the U.S. is lashing out against
China's tech sector. How important is securing technological leadership for countries, and
how do you expect this specific battle to unfold?
4. M. Shanahan: Many countries are caught in the crossfire European nations in particular,
which have been strong allies of the U.S. in the past. But with the Trump administration
focusing on "America First" have loyalties been shifting, in recent years?
5. P. Rough: Throughout this pandemic, China has been touting the benefits of modern authoritarianism,
highlighting its rapid economic growth and social cohesion.
What is the world order that China envisions? And what do you think its game plan is, amid
this pandemic? And what should countries caught in the middle
like South Korea do? 6. M. Shanahan: China’s bold claims and
accusations against the U.S. and its eagerness to come to Europe’s rescue during this pandemic
has caused some wariness. Do you think this will cause countries to rethink their ties
with China? 7. P. Rough: China's recent movements in the
South China Sea has also drawn some concern, with
the U.S. also scaling up its naval activities there. And tensions are also flaring over
Taiwan. Do you think either side is prepared to
turn this into an all-out cold war or do you think they will eventually put their differences
aside? 8. M. Shanahan: In the meantime, it seems
other countries are now exasperated by this ongoing conflict. In fact, the EU’s chief
diplomat on Monday asked for the global community to
step back from the battlefield between China and the U.S. Could this become
a chance for a stronger multipolar international
order? It's been an insightful discussion.
Dr. Mark Shanahan at the University of Reading and Dr. Peter Rough at the Hudson Institute
thank you for joining the programme