Editorial | American isolationism is drawing China and Russia closer together
- An 8,000km cross-border gas pipeline project is but one example of nations looking beyond the US to shore up multilateralism and cooperation
Presidents Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin had the warmest of words when launching their nations’ first cross-border gas pipeline. The 8,000km project is jointly beneficial, providing energy security for China and helping ensure cleaner air in coal-dependent northeastern regions, while yielding much-needed revenue and jobs for Russia.
There is also symbolism, of unparalleled friendly ties and cooperation. But behind all of this is the United States, which, through isolationist policies, has brought the sides closer and prompted a search for opportunities in Asia and Europe.
When fully operational in 2024, it will provide China with 38 billion cubic metres of natural gas each year, about 14 per cent of what the nation consumed in 2018. That is timely given dwindling Chinese production, but also an economic boon for Moscow, struggling under Western sanctions imposed over Crimea.
US President Donald Trump surely did not have such cooperation in mind when starting his trade war against China 18 months ago. His administration saw Beijing as the biggest threat to American global supremacy and the tariffs on Chinese goods and bans on technology aimed to damage growth and competitiveness. The interim trade deal that is believed to be near will not improve relations and the tech war will continue.