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| Credit: Bangkok Post |
China, the epicenter of the COVID 19 outbreak since December, has undoubtedly been one of the most ravaged nations due to the virus. However, also being one of the first countries to recover from the outbreak (virtually ending it), China has begun to address and advance their political agendas around the globe.
The media has failed to capture this - because the COVID 19 virus is the most imminent threat we currently face. However, China’s quest for power in the background of all the conflict could signal a big power change in the future, and be especially alarming for its opposition - namely the USA. This blog will cover what has China been doing amid the Coronavirus pandemic, and what this could potentially imply.
China’s proposed security law for Hong Kong
Hong Kong’s situation has already been compromised following the extradition bill proposed by China, which compromised on the ‘One Country, Two Systems’ rule established by the UK. https://aglobalinjustice.blogspot.com/2020/05/what-sparked-hong-kong-protests-in-2019.html covers this in more detail.
COVID 19 had halted any further plans for China to gain authority over the region. However, China’s quick recovery and chaos created by COVID 19 has provided them with an excellent environment of advancing their political agenda. China’s recently proposed security law makes anyone in Hong Kong a criminal if they speak out against mainland China, and could potentially allow for China to establish its security establishment in Hong Kong. Pro-democracy protestors fear that this can undermine freedom of speech and expression in the country. Global attention has been acquired, and pressure has been placed on the UK and USA’s government to address this issue with China through platforms such as the G7 and United Nations Security Council.
Notable has been the fact that Taiwan has expressed strong support for pro-democracy Hong Kong protestors, which is causing China to tighten its grip on this semi-autonomous region. Taiwan's recent inauguration of pro-democracy President Tsai Ing-Wen in January could signal a new source of distress for mainland China, especially considering Taiwan’s request for a WHO observer status due to its success against the virus.
The South China Sea
The South China Sea is disputed territory - not one single country has internationally accepted claims to the region. The territory represents a key piece of economic activity and is potentially host to a vast amount of oil, and historically, China sought to exude a strong military presence in this region to claim domination. Many US and Vietnam ships remain there to act as a deterrent against this.
However, whilst the mass public has been consumed with COVID 19, China has stealthily strengthened their claim. On April 3rd, China sunk a Vietnamese fishing vessel to claim sovereignty, which, due to a lack of global attention, led to it launching a geographical survey ship on April 13th to deter oil drilling in the region. Finally, on April 18, China implemented administrative control over some islands in the region, which are disputed territories and therefore was unlawful for China to do so.
Denying inquiry and investigation probes
Research and analysis of the roots of the virus may be key and fundamental in developing a much-needed vaccine. However, the World Health Organisation has had its investigation probes repeatedly denied by China, disallowing crucial research. Whilst this represents a key humanitarian barrier, it also avoids China from taking any likely blame for the cause of the virus, and to use their secrecy as a political leverage/tool.
This has led to the basis of Trump’s claims that WHO is being China-centric and too lenient. However, China has also denied any independent states from doing further investigations. In a sense of irony, China is expanding its power over the globe, whilst keeping its borders closed.
Using foreign aid as a tool
China has also begun to use medical and financial aid as a tool. The reluctance of the EU to provide support to countries outside of the organization has created a niche for China - they will be able to extend their power in different countries and showcase the capability of their supplies.
Notably, Serbia has been denied aid and supplies from the EU, yet has been supported immensely by China. Not only does this present dire implications for the security and sovereignty of the EU, but it is shifting the negative narrative portrayed around China.
The Answer
Whilst the popular media and organization have occupied themselves with combatting the Coronavirus, China has used this diversion to acquire more political power - not only by extending its claims around disputed territories such as the South China Sea, Hong Kong, and even its border with India, but creating a niche in contemporary politics as a foreign aid donor, something the western world hasn’t been able to replicate.
And while the outcome of this race for power remains unclear for the time being, it is apparent that China is gaining traction, using the current coronavirus scare as an effective distraction.
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