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The Tribune 10th November 2021 Save

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Context: ‘New Quad’ assumed to be aimed at China although its members Israel and UAE have good ties with China.

Challenges before ‘New Quad’

Increasing Israel – China relationship: Israelis believe that ties with China are a huge strategic opportunity, even as they battle US pressure to curb technology ties.
- Close strategic military ties since 1980s: In 1980 Israel used its prowess in military technology to get close to China but eventually US blocked the progress.
- Chinese investment in Israeli companies and startups: 1,000 Israeli companies are operating in China with their focus on life sciences, software and IT, Internet, communications, semiconductors and clean technology.
- Lease of port: Chinese have begun operations in port terminal in Haifa that has been leased to them.
Strong UAE – China relationship: There is, of course, the economic relationship, but there is a significant political one as well.
- Defending China in UN: UAE stance in UNHRC defending China’s treatment of Uighurs, as well as backing the Hong Kong national security law.
- Technology relations: Installation of the Huawei 5G network in the country bucking the US pressure.
- Political relation: UAE welcomes the Belt and Road Initiative and China sees the UAE as a hub on which it is developing its commercial ties to the region, as well as Europe and Africa.
Antagonistic US-China stance: The promised review of China ties by the Biden administration has yet to be revealed, even as hostility to China is being driven by the deeply divided domestic politics.
- Strategy of ‘extreme competition’: Though Care is taken so as not to slide into unintended conflict.
- Diminishing US might: The ability of the US to compete rests on a large-scale overhaul of American system which is mired in deep political divisions, wage stagnation and a ‘red in tooth and claw’ approach towards the poor.
China’s growing strength and aggressiveness: Possesses enormous destructive power and its behaviour crosses red lines. Eg. Aggression along Ladakh borders.
India’s booming trade with China: Despite tensions over border with China, India’s trade with China grew to a spectacular 49% in first nine months of 2021.

Conclusion: The US strategy of coalition building to oppose Chinese misbehaviour is the right way to go. But this is a strategy that must be carefully unpacked, one where the US and its partners must be willing to swiftly impose costs on Beijing for unacceptable actions, yet keep open channels for diplomacy, trade and commerce.