Absolutely, the narrative is important here as well. When push comes to shove and countries have to choose a side, it will be important for China to be seen as the sensible actor in the conflict. I’d argue that the west has already largely destroyed its credibility with the proxy war in Ukraine and support for genocide in Gaza. Majority of the countries outside the west are now starting to visibly shift towards BRICS, and I expect this will be a self reinforcing trend.
And should the US try something - like a naval blockade of China as I don’t think the US will attempt to ignite a direct, “hot”war - those relationships with the global south will matter a great deal. Those land connections based in the BRI will serve as lifeline for China to access the rest of Asia and point beyond in that scenario.
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Absolutely, the narrative is important here as well. When push comes to shove and countries have to choose a side, it will be important for China to be seen as the sensible actor in the conflict. I’d argue that the west has already largely destroyed its credibility with the proxy war in Ukraine and support for genocide in Gaza. Majority of the countries outside the west are now starting to visibly shift towards BRICS, and I expect this will be a self reinforcing trend.
And should the US try something - like a naval blockade of China as I don’t think the US will attempt to ignite a direct, “hot”war - those relationships with the global south will matter a great deal. Those land connections based in the BRI will serve as lifeline for China to access the rest of Asia and point beyond in that scenario.