To Deal With China, Biden Has to Make Up for Trump and Obama
There are limits to forging alliances because, as Australia is learning, Beijing is both more integrated into the global economy and aggressive about throwing its weight around.
Joe Biden and Antony Blinken face a test of alliances in dealing with China.
Photographer: Mark Makela/Getty ImagesIf President-elect Joe Biden’s expected pick for Secretary of State Antony Blinken wants an emblem of the challenges he’ll face in resetting America’s relations in Asia, he should look to the frigid waters off China’s northern coal ports.
More than 50 ships carrying Australian coal have been waiting for a month or longer to offload their cargo amid a diplomatic spat between the two countries, Bloomberg News reported last week. China is also planning to impose anti-dumping duties as high as 212.1% on Australian wine. Its officials have blamed a host of grievances, including Australian media coverage and the passing of laws preventing foreign political interference, for “poisoning” relations.