The wave of visitors fits in with the new self-confidence of the Chinese leadership – the world is coming to Beijing. But not only the numerous high-ranking state visits after China’s self-imposed three-year corona isolation are symbolic of the country’s growing importance in the world.
The signs of changes in the global order are rolling in – and China is playing an important role in this. Example Ukraine: Beijing is siding with Russia and thus ensuring that Vladimir Putin can continue his war.
With the three-day visit to the Kremlin chief in Moscow shortly before the first anniversary of the Russian attack, China’s head of state and party leader Xi Jinping sent a signal that could not have been clearer: Beijing stands firmly on the side of the man who brought the war back to Europe has brought – even if that means for Beijing to offend governments from Paris to Berlin.
Take the Middle East as an example: Beijing has achieved what the West failed to do in the region: Iran and Saudi Arabia are talking to each other again. A significant success for Beijing, which is inexperienced as an international mediator. The USA, on the other hand, was not involved in the talks.
Gone are the days when the foreign policy mantra of China’s longtime leader Deng Xiaoping was: “Hide your strengths and wait until the time comes.” The almighty Xi Jinping – head of state, party leader, supreme commander of the military and other institutions in one person – believes the time has come for China.
He appears more confident and energetic on the international stage than any leading figure in the People’s Republic has ever done. In doing so, China is also penetrating international gaps left behind by the USA – for example in the Middle East.
Beijing sets its own rules
Beijing has fleshed out a whole series of foreign policy initiatives in recent months. The Chinese leadership is thus clearly demonstrating its creative drive. And how she imagines a new world order.
Beijing thinks in power centers and sees everything against the background of the conflict with the USA. Beijing’s long-term goal is to shape the existing world order in such a way that its interests are protected as much as possible. This may seem normal at first glance, but on this scale it is extraordinary.
The Chinese leadership does not want a world without rules – but only those that benefit them. For example, if they ensure that Chinese companies have unrestricted access to international markets.
However, China does not want to adhere to other regulations, such as the universal application of fundamental human rights. The Chinese leadership wants to be able to decide for itself how and to whom they apply.
The staged meeting between China’s strongman and the Russian president was also a signal to the West.
(Photo: via REUTERS)
From Beijing’s point of view, other rules are still a matter of interpretation. This also explains the contradiction that keeps popping up when it comes to Ukraine. China preaches that the territorial integrity of states must be guaranteed – but at the same time does not condemn Russia for invading Ukraine. In China’s logic, this is not a contradiction because Moscow’s supposed security interests are more important in Beijing’s eyes than Ukraine’s interests.
It is trying to get other states to side with it, or at least to get them to stay away from the United States – sometimes with success. The leadership has also repeatedly appealed to Europe not to side with the United States.
US wants to slow down China
Washington, in turn, is trying to curb China’s growing power. American technology or that of its allies should not ensure that China can continue to modernize its military or catch up in key technological areas.
It is not foreseeable that China will withdraw from using all its might to shift the world order in its favor in the next few years. Europe and the Member States must adapt to this. Dodging worried or pandering to the communist regime is the wrong way to go.
Europe must appear more self-confident and more united than has been the case up to now. The joint visit by Ms. von der Leyen and Macron to Beijing is a first test of whether this can succeed.
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