The Ripples of Europe felt in the Pacific

The invasion of Ukraine by Russia has dominated the international spotlight, but it’s important not to lose focus on another rising contender in this new world stage– The People’s Republic of China. 

Recently, an international group based in the Pacific known as The Quad (consisting of Japan, India, Australia, and the United States) met to discuss the issue of China’s increasing aggression in the Pacific. Within the year, Chinese and Russian jets have flown close enough to Japanese airspace that fighters had to be scrambled just in case; the prevalent dispute between China and India’s land boundary; and of course, the crucial issue of Taiwan. 

The People’s Republic of China has long claimed ownership of the free country in exile and any thought by the Communist state to invade Taiwan has been met with an instant threat of war by the United States. Twice during the Cold War did crises in the Taiwan strait loom the threat of a third World War and tensions have far from cooled. 

With Putin’s invasion of Ukraine being seen as a challenge to the current world order and its globalized norms, there is concern that China may be inspired to make a move for the country they too have felt rightfully belonged to them. Such action is not unheard of from China, for they annexed the region of Tibet in 1950 under similar justifications. 

Of course, Taiwan has the repeated backing of the United States to hold China at bay. However, the People’s Republic have been strengthening their navy and have made a recent security pact with the Solomon Islands, frightening both Japan and Australia of a rising military threat in the Pacific. 

Thus, it is important that we keep our eyes trained on both theaters of the world. China has behaved rationally in the past, especially considering the PRC plays a large role in our globalized way of life– still reigning as the largest exporter in the world when it comes to trade. Keep in mind that China does not publicly support the invasion of Ukraine, but rather has put out a neutral statement to preserve the party’s public image.

But again, Putin’s war which has sent ripples through Europe may be felt in the Pacific as well, and in a new world repeating old mistakes, it may be possible for China to join in on challenging the global position of power. This blog post is part of the CIMA Law Group blog. If you are located in Arizona and are seeking legal services, CIMA Law Group specializes in Immigration Law, Criminal Defense, Personal Injury, and Government Relations