US Threatens China and Russia: 'Revenge' Options Limited

Washington has warned — first China and then Russia — that if the two countries allow Edward Snowden to escape they will face the “consequences.” But analysts believe that, given the complexity of U.S.-China and U.S.-Russia relations, the Obama administration will not have a falling-out with them just because of Snowden. Any real “revenge” options are limited, and the so-called “consequences” are merely verbal threats.

The U.S. has, to varying degrees, threatened China, Hong Kong, Russia and Ecuador. Experts believe that Washington will only increase the U.S. visa application requirements for citizens of these areas, impose sanctions on some imported goods, push back foreign investment deals and ignore future extradition requests from these places. These include the trade agreements that allow for the duty free import of goods from Ecuador. As the agreements expire on July 31 next month, the U.S. may not renew the agreements as revenge.

There is also the opinion that, instead of verbal threats, the U.S. should instead provide incentives for cooperation, such as providing more support on trade agreements. The U.S. still has to cooperate with China and Russia on international issues such as the Syrian civil war and the nuclear programs underway in Iran and North Korea. Brookings Institution expert Kenneth G. Lieberthal does not think that Washington will damage bilateral relations because of Snowden or decide to do something such as impose sanctions on China.