Russia, China and the Need for a New NATO

Maintaining American hegemony: an insistent slogan imposed on American President Joe Biden by the current international climate. This is due to a number of factors. International powers have catapulted themselves onto the world stage, right under Washington’s nose. Shows of political and economic force paved the way for different actors to stand up to American leadership.

The United States played the prominent role of international crisis mediator, which has contributed to its prosperity within its borders. But China has played an even bigger role in its regional and international surroundings. It appears that China has risen from the ashes of the COVID-19 crisis, which cleared the way for Beijing to advance as an important player on the world stage.

China’s success in establishing its presence stems from different factors. China began by using firm, swift action to end its COVID-19 crisis, which still grips its international opponents. Regionally, China has introduced itself as a dependable partner in the Asia-Pacific region after America abandoned its allies.

Beijing has greatly developed its relationship with America’s strongest allies in Asia, among them South Korea and Japan, especially after former President Donald Trump’s decision to impose customs duties on the two countries’ imports. Furthermore, China has supported countries ravaged by COVID-19, from the developing world to Western Europe.

China’s success in imposing its influence on the world lies with its ability to vie for power. Its foremost priority has been forming relationships with neighboring countries, which will greatly aid Beijing in competition on the international stage. All signs point to the Chinese government forming more alliances as China continues its ascent.

Russia is possibly the biggest priority for Beijing, due to a number of things. Russia is a neighboring country that has an added bonus of being a “common enemy” of the United States, teetering between competition and rivalry.

At the end of the day, American policies ultimately seek one goal: to dislodge competitors from taking its place at the top. American trade policies against China during the Trump administration almost brought about a trade war between the two countries. It demonstrated its goal in previous administrations through interjection into crises in Hong Kong and Taiwan and political interventions in inland Russia, most notably during Barack Obama’s term. Events like these may even make a reappearance.

So begins the urgent need for a strong, NATO-style alliance between China, Russia and other countries. Whether with the Middle East or Asia, or with Western Europe (what with its strained relationships throughout Trump’s administration), this would work toward countering Washington’s future strategic attempts.

China’s and Russia’s regional relationships give them a formidable advantage, to Washington’s great dissatisfaction. The current situation has resulted in its estrangement from the important world actors. Canada scorned Biden’s executive order promoting the federal purchase of U.S.-made goods and services, and Mexico has been standing in the background of the immigration issue, for which Biden has offered little remedy since his ascension to the Oval Office. Moscow and Beijing may need an official umbrella organization to unite their allies in the developed and developing world, which would be their starting point for the coming battle with the United States.