Introduction: Recently, Blinken has caused an international uproar, trying to force countries to take sides by selling the so-called "table theory". However, Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's strong rebuttal and the EU foreign minister's candid statement have slapped the US political elite's agenda. In the face of the US encirclement, why does the international community's reaction show what kind of reality does it show? This article will delve into this topic, analyzing the limitations of U.S. policy and the complex struggles in international relations.
Blinken proposed the "table theory" at the Munich Security Conference, trying to emphasize the "menu choice" in international relations through this way of warning. He emphasized the "investment and reinvestment" of the United States in allies, partnerships, and the multilateral system, suggesting that countries must make clear choices in the U.S.-China game. However, these remarks exposed that the US political elite still clings to the Cold War mentality, runs counter to the expectations of the international community, and tries to force countries to choose at the "table".
The United States, represented by Blinken, has tried to repair relations with its allies since Biden took office, drawing alliances everywhere, and trying to divide the international community into the two camps of China and the United States. However, such unilateralist behavior has aroused strong resentment in countries such as the European Union and ASEAN. Biden's aid to ASEAN is only a few hundred million dollars, but he is trying to make ASEAN allies "anti-China" on this, which obviously lacks sufficient incentives.
When Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim was asked about the United States' criticism of China-Malaysia relations, he asked why he was "provoking" China, the largest partner. He bluntly said that Malaysia only wants to focus on what is most beneficial and sees China as an important partner. This hard-line attitude represents the common aspirations of ASEAN countries. ASEAN countries do not want to be caught in the whirlpool of the great power game, but pursue a win-win situation of cooperation with other countries.
Anwar's stance underscores ASEAN countries' desire to follow the trend and avoid confrontation between major powers. Although there are special circumstances in the Philippines, on the whole, ASEAN is willing to continue to cooperate with China. ASEAN countries' tough response to U.S. attempts to place ASEAN between China and the United States shows that they do not want to become pawns of any major power.
EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell made it clear in an article that the era of Western domination is over. He did not point out directly, but clearly pointed to the rise of emerging developing countries, especially China, which broke the hegemonic order established by the United States and the West. For the EU, this multipolar order is not a bad thing and helps to get rid of the control of the United States and achieve a truly global one-polarity.
The EU is well aware of the instability of US policy, and it is well aware that any future change in US policy could lead to another conflict with the EU. The EU has wisely chosen to cooperate with China, believing that confrontation with China will only come with costs and that cooperation with China is a win-win situation. In the face of the U.S. strategy of trying to win over the EU to contain China, the EU has made it clear that it does not want to become a pawn of the United States.
Conclusion: From Blinken's "table theory" to the reaction of the international community, we see that the United States' attempt to contain China is facing tremendous resistance. The firm stance of the Malaysian Prime Minister and the frank statement of the EU Foreign Minister demonstrate the common voice of the international community for a multipolar order. In the context of global changes, win-win cooperation is the long-term choice of all countries, and any unilateral hegemonism will be resisted by the international community. In the future of China-US relations, we need to remain vigilant, and at the same time firmly defend national interests, meet challenges, and achieve peaceful and stable global development.