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Middle powers urged to hedge bets, not pick sides in US-China rivalry
🇨🇳 China /Economy & Trade

Middle powers urged to hedge bets, not pick sides in US-China rivalry

From South China Morning Post · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

Analysis Named sources Context piece
  • Middle powers should avoid choosing sides in the strategic competition between the United States and China, a forum in Beijing advised.
  • Speakers suggested that hedging bets and seeking diversified partnerships would better preserve these nations' interests and diplomatic flexibility.
  • The Association of Southeast Asian Nations was cited as an example of middle powers successfully balancing relations with both superpowers.

Middle powers are advised to "hedge their bets" rather than align with either the United States or China amid their intensifying strategic competition, according to a forum held at Tsinghua University in Beijing.

So during the period of bipolarisation, with China and the US now engaged in some kind of strategic competition, probably it is wise for middle powers not to take sides.

— Jia QingguoJia Qingguo, a professor of international studies at Peking University, advises middle powers on navigating US-China rivalry.

Jia Qingguo, a professor of international studies at Peking University, argued that taking sides would "limit their diplomatic space and limit their capability to preserve their interests." He suggested that a strategy of hedging, which involves developing an "insurance policy" as described by Jonathan Fried, chairman of the Canadian National Committee for Pacific Economic Cooperation, is a wiser approach.

Fried's perspective highlights the importance of diversification, emphasizing that middle powers should cultivate multiple partnerships. This strategy allows them to maintain flexibility and protect their national interests in a complex geopolitical landscape.

would limit their diplomatic space and limit their capability to preserve their interests

— Jia QingguoJia Qingguo explains the potential drawbacks for middle powers that choose sides in the US-China competition.

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) was presented as a successful model of this hedging strategy. Member states have prioritized maintaining strong relationships with both Beijing and Washington, recognizing China as a key economic partner and the U.S. as a significant investor. This balanced approach allows ASEAN nations to benefit from both relationships without being drawn into the broader geopolitical rivalry.

Hedging means developing an insurance policy.

— Jonathan FriedJonathan Fried, chairman of the Canadian National Committee for Pacific Economic Cooperation, defines the concept of hedging in international relations.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by South China Morning Post in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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