Beijing has not lifted a finger in terms of backing Russia on Ukraine. One additional reason China has remained on the sidelines of the Ukraine showdown: The latter is a welcomed distraction. In the likelihood of a protracted clash between the West and Russia, “U.S. [diplomatic] ties would become vital to offsetting declining relations with Russia.” A required shift towards a friendlier link would “complicate Mr. Obama’s effort to counter Beijing’s [increasingly assertive] influence in the Asia Pacific” (WSJ, 17-Apr-14). “The White House’s attention to its much-ballyhooed ‘pivot’ toward Asia in Mr. Obama’s foreign-policy focus would be diminished as […] Europe demands more attention.” By default, China prefers maintaining a low profile in world affairs so as to cultivate the image of a quiet giant, with no interest in expanding its area of influence and control. Such a subdued image has thus far helped it expand its area of influence and control in Latin America, Africa and Central Asia. In the case of Ukraine, sitting on the fence happens to allow a useful distraction: it delays Washington’s efforts to concentrate more means of violence in the Indian/Pacific oceans. Ergo: there is no need to take a non-neutral stance. Just grab the pop corn, sit back, stay mum and enjoy the show. The above incentive comes on top of Beijing’s #1 preoccupation in foreign affairs—Xinjiang, and the absolute sanctity of already-existing borders.
Posted on: Thu, 17 Apr 2014 13:26:36 +0000
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