No one knows when and where this death procession will stop. No one knows when the coronavirus will stop, when it will return to normal life. Even then, world politics and attempts to seize the world stage are moving ahead with this virus.
Politicians, diplomats and other quarters are giving various hints about the post-Corona world system. According to them, it is certain that this virus is bringing about changes in the world system. But there is a heated debate over whether China or the United States will be the leaders in the changed world order.
But there is no doubt that the countries that can best deal with the coronavirus epidemic will extend a helping hand to others.
According to the Brussels-based International Crisis Group, the current situation will not only examine international organizations such as the United Nations, the World Health Organization, the World Bank, and the International Monetary Fund, but will also assess ideological and political issues.
Even in this situation, the fight between North and South Europe over debt has intensified. The lack of preparedness and capacity of the European Union to deal with the epidemic has taken everyone by surprise. Italian Prime Minister Joseph Conte has said without hesitation that the European Union could collapse if it fails.
And what Adam Tuz, a professor of history at Columbia University, has to say about the United States in the title of his article, “America is weak, but still leading the world.”
Referring to a tweet from former Swedish Foreign Minister Carl Bild, he wrote in Foreign Policy magazine that this was the first major crisis in the post-American world. The UN Security Council is nowhere to be seen, the G20 is in the hands of the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia. And the White House has been playing the dugout of the ‘America Before’ policy year after year, leaving everyone alone for many years. Only this epidemic has taken a global form.
Professor Stephen M. of the Department of International Relations at Harvard University. Walt still bets on the United States. He hopes that despite the Trump administration’s one mistake after another, the United States can still win the war on the coronavirus epidemic by changing some foreign policy, becoming more powerful and returning to the world stage.
According to her in Foreign Policy Magazine, if the United States maintains a “America first” policy on this international issue, if it does not show leadership like during World War II or the Nine-Eleven or the 2008 financial crisis, there is nothing to hope for.
Professor Walt, however, acknowledges that the coronavirus will further intensify the shift in power and influence from west to east. South Korea and Singapore have responded well and China has handled the situation well by correcting its initial mistakes.
He acknowledged that the response from Europe and the United States was “very skeptical” and that it had “probably weakened the power of the West.”
China has extended a helping hand to an international humanitarian crisis like the coronavirus, leaving behind a procession of dead bodies at home. His tender hand has reached from Bangladesh to various parts of Europe and Africa.
Many have already claimed that the ‘East’ is ahead of the West in this competitive war. Without hesitation, South Korean philosopher Baiyung-chul Han claims that Asian regions such as Japan, Korea, China, Hong Kong, Taiwan or Singapore can be said to be victorious.
According to the Korean philosopher, China will now be able to sell its ‘digital police’ concept to succeed against the epidemic. China will proudly display the superiority of its state system. That is why Western voters may be willing to give up a lot.
China, a silent player in geopolitics, has used every global crisis for the past 20 years as an opportunity to strengthen its diplomatic ties.
US President George W. Bush and Barack Obama both identified China as America’s main rival. But in both cases, China is able to change the situation.
First, China exemplifies its friendship by cooperating in counter-terrorism programs after the September 11, 2001 attacks on the United States, and second, by helping to stimulate global demand and calm the financial markets during the 2008 global financial crisis.
Similarly, China strengthened its ties with Europe by buying Greek, Portuguese and Spanish bonds during the eurozone debt crisis. In addition, China increases imports and investment from Europe.
Even during the economic crises in Portugal, Argentina and Egypt, the People’s Bank of China provided rescue packages and stood by them with credit risks.
The United States has limited capacity to produce ventilators, face masks, and protective equipment needed for hospitals. China should therefore be offered to supply these and exchange various information related to coronavirus. Also, many Chinese citizens have suggested that the United States should ensure the continuity of the supply of medical supplies.
Now, as China moves to show a global response to the coronavirus crisis, it can turn its defensive position towards the West, including the United States, into a more open and leading role. Fortunately, Chinese leaders understand both the tasks and the opportunities ahead of them.
#Author: Journalist and columnist
atmustakim@gmail.com
