The relationship between Asia and Europe has gone through numerous changes over the years and continues to be a potentially volatile and unpredictable geo-political space. In recent years, the growing influence of China on the international scene has been keenly felt, prompting discussion and speculation on the ways both of the two regions should respond.
With its expansive economic interests, its close diplomatic ties to many nations, and its military might, China occupies an unrivaled position in the region, leaving small and mid-size countries vulnerable to its whims. In the great debate over how best to manage China’s rise and its potential consequences, many have focused on the potential role of collective action as a viable and prudent response. This article will discuss the rationale and logic behind such a move, along with the challenges it presents and the realistic constraints it would face in implementation.
Background: China’s Growing International Power
The government of the People’s Republic of China has promoted an agenda of economic and military expansion since the turn of the twenty-first century and with it has come an increased presence on the international stage. China is now the largest trading partner of many countries around the world, including many in Europe and Asia, and it has invested in many strategic developments around the continent – from infrastructure investments to port concessions. Although there is debate about the exact nature and substance of China’s ultimate objective, some analysts are increasingly concerned by Beijing’s ambition for regional and global influence.
At the same time, China has managed to achieved impressive accomplishments in military development, not least of which is its standing as the world’s second-largest military spender. Its rapidly modernizing armed forces have become a source of concern for many of its neighbors and potential rivals. In the South and East Sea regions, China has established an aggressive maritime presence that has raised alarms in many capitals.
Moreover, as a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, China has exhibited an assertive stance on many issues, utilizing its diplomatic clout to pressure and cajole countries into certain positions. Its ever-increasing international engagement has prompted the need for a comprehensive response from both Europe and Asia.
The Case for Collective Action in the Asia-Europe Region
Although the idea of collective action has been around for some time, recent years have seen a renewed focus on the potential for its utilization in Asia and Europe. Proponents of such approaches argue that China’s rise and its impact on the region has become so profound that collaborative efforts are now a necessity.
The primary argument in favor of collective action is that it can provide a unified front to effectively counter Chinese influence. By pooling resources and efforts, both Asia and Europe can strengthen their negotiating positions and present a more coordinated response to Beijing’s activities. This could take the form of political or diplomatic initiatives such as joint resolutions at the UN, dialogue initiatives, or sanctions. Likewise, collective defense arrangements could be formed to ensure a coordinated defense strategy that provides a strengths-in-numbers approach against any threats.
The rational for collective action further extends to the economic realm. Specifically, Europe and Asia can coordinate economic policies in the face of China’s economic power and its willingness to utilize state-directed capital to pursue its agenda. Coordinated international financial regulations, cooperative monetary policies, and sector-specific initiatives can be powerful tools to level the playing field and protect the interests of mid-size countries that may be vulnerable to Beijing’s ambitions.
Challenges and Realistic Constraints
Despite the potential merits of collective action, a number of challenges stand in the way of its adoption as a strategy to manage China’s power. Chief among the challenges is the question of disagreements among individual countries and the difficulties of reaching meaningful consensus across the continent. After all, given the wide array of geopolitical dynamics present in Asia and Europe, it is highly unlikely that a single uniform position will emerge anytime soon.
Another challenge to collective action lies in its applicability. Chinese influence usually operates on a bilateral basis and thus, any collective solution must be tailored to fit the specific dynamics of each situation. Such an effort would likely require extensive diplomatic and economic resources, as well as a willingness to navigate complex political and cultural environment.
Finally, any collective response would inevitably be met with pushback from Chinese authorities. Beijing has been vocal in its criticism of multilateral initiatives that challenge its interests, often using diplomatic and economic pressure to blunt any such efforts.
China’s expanding influence in Asia and Europe has been the source of much discussion and debate in recent years. For some, collective action provides a potentially viable and prudent approach to managing China’s ambition and protecting smaller nations in the region. Yet, while collective action offers many advantages, its challenges as a strategy are substantial and realistic constraints abound in its potential execution. As such, any effective strategy to manage China’s expanding might must take into account the complexities of the geopolitical environment, the wariness of its potential opponents, and the difficulty of forming meaningful consensus and action.
