Swiss Point of View
The aggravation of relations between the two geopolitical centers of power — the United States and China — is being closely observed by the entire civilized world, well aware of the consequences that will affect not only these two powerful economic centers.
The world economy’s vague balancing is running to its end. It will be replaced by a confrontation stimulated by both opposing sides. And the global coronavirus crisis is only exacerbating this trend. It is the development of events in the Asia-Pacific that will determine the nature of international relations both in the region and far beyond. Of course, this will not bypass Europe.
Not only the consequences of the Sino-American confrontation are on the agenda. It is no less important in what form such a strategic confrontation will take place. At present, the Beijing leadership is not only forcing the United States to significantly increase military spending, but also has nothing against proving in practice that it is capable of overcoming American strength militarily. While the United States is being distracted by the pandemic, China is stepping up military pressure on Taiwan.
Europe needs to get rid of the dangerous illusion that wars between the world’s leading powers are fundamentally and irrevocably a thing of the past. “A war caused by a simple misunderstanding” is quite possible.
The article is available in Ukrainian
