A Tool for US Hegemony or Regional Cooperation?
China has criticized the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad), a regional grouping comprising the United States, Japan, India, and Australia, as a tool for the US to contain China and perpetuate its hegemony. Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian made these remarks at a press briefing on Monday, urging the US to abandon its obsession with supremacy and stop using regional countries as pawns in its strategic games.
Lin argued that the Quad's Indo-Pacific strategy is essentially an attempt to patch up forces to exclude and contain China by peddling the "China threat" narrative. He pointed out that the first topic of the recent Quad Leaders' Summit was about China, highlighting the group's underlying agenda. He further emphasized that cooperation between countries should not target any third party or harm their interests, and that regional initiatives should promote regional peace, stability, and prosperity.
Lin warned that forming exclusive groupings undermines mutual trust and cooperation between regional countries and runs counter to the pursuit of peace, development, cooperation, and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific. He urged the US to stop using regional countries as tools and to act on its word that the revitalization of its alliances is not targeted at China.
Regarding the Quad's joint coast guard cooperation at sea, Lin noted that China is open to normal cooperation between relevant countries, but that such cooperation should not target other countries or undermine regional peace and stability.
Lin's remarks reflect China's growing concerns about the Quad and its potential to destabilize the region. China sees the Quad as a US-led effort to contain its rise and maintain its dominance in the Indo-Pacific. It remains to be seen how the Quad will evolve and whether it can contribute to regional cooperation or become a source of tension.
6 Comments
Comandante
China's concerns about the Quad are simply paranoia. The Quad poses no threat to China, unless China chooses to make it one.
Coccinella
China always cries wolf when it's challenged. The Quad is about security and prosperity, not containment.
ZmeeLove
The Quad is a symptom of the US's declining power and influence. As the US becomes weaker, it will become more desperate to maintain its dominance in the region.
Karamba
The Quad is a welcome development for many countries in the region who are concerned about China's growing influence.
Rotfront
The Quad is a distraction from the real issues facing the region, such as poverty, inequality, and climate change. The US should focus on addressing these issues instead of trying to contain China.
Africa
Lin Jian's comments are full of double standards. China claims to want regional cooperation, but it constantly acts unilaterally and ignores international law.