[Meanwhile] Strange China bashing

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[Meanwhile] Strange China bashing

YOU SANG-CHUL
The author is head of the China Institute of the JoongAng Ilbo and CEO of China Lab.

On Feb. 15, it was reported that the Indian Army will introduce 200 attack helicopters that can operate in the alpine region. They are reportedly made to “check on China.” In January, India and Japan held their first-ever joint fighter jet drill in January. The exercise was “aiming at China.” Since the Indian and Chinese forces clashed at Galwan Valley in June 2020, causing dozens of deaths, their bilateral relationship has been described as enemies by news media. A provoked Indian crowd destroyed Chinese smartphones and trampled on Chinese President Xi Jinping’s portrait at that time.

What is surprising, however, is that Chinese smartphones such as Xiaomi are still dominating the Indian market, pushing Samsung out. Also, India had a military drill with China. Last year, both China and India participated in the Russia-led Vostok 2022 military exercise.

Recently, the relationship between Australia and China appears strange too. Australia’s decision to exclude China’s Huawei from the 5G network business in 2018 made China angry in 2020. Canberra even demanded an investigation into the origin of Covid-19. Australia is also eager to participate in U.S.-led initiatives such as Aukus and QUAD.

China was upset and retaliated by banning imports of more than 10 items from Australia, including wine and coal. The two countries’ relationship was described as the worst ever.

Then, a reconciliatory mood returned as if nothing had happened after the administration changed in Australia last year. China has resumed importing coal and lobsters from Australia.

What’s more surprising is the U.S. Since the trade war in 2018, America seemed to be waging an all-out battle for hegemony against China. The Biden administration had united allies to pressure China.

But there are news of American CEOs visiting China. Apple and Pfizer CEOs will attend the Chinese Development Forum in Beijing in March. Moreover, Ford Motors is building a battery plant in Michigan in collaboration with Chinese electric car battery maker CATL. It is a way to detour the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). In contrast, Ford reportedly canceled a plan to build a battery plant in Turkey in collaboration with Korea’s SK On.

The Korean electric vehicle manufacturers suffered primary damage due to the IRA. Now, there are talks that Korean battery makers have been stabbed in the back. Some may complain that only the U.S. would do business with China while its allies are tied up.

With anticipation for Chinese economic recovery after the easing of the disease control restrictions, countries around the world are eager to gain interest from China. For Korea, it is not the time to be only fascinated by the performance of others.
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