“Blinken’s emphasis was on the solidarity of his allies, meaning that if [they] allied with the United States, they would not become someone else’s ‘meal’,” he said.

“At the same time, he is appeasing his allies, most of whom fear that if tensions continue between the US and China, they will be involved in an irreversible scenario.”

The US was not forcing other countries to choose but rather “offers a good choice”, he added.

“And if we can do that – and I believe we can, and we have and will continue – then I think the choice becomes fairly self-evident,” Blinken said.

Josef Gregory Mahoney, a professor of politics and international relations at Shanghai’s East China Normal University, said Blinken’s remarks were a warning for US allies, especially some European countries, as they sought warmer relations with Beijing.

“The target of the expressions are definitely European countries who’ve tried to hedge to some extent in their relations with China … and other countries, realising that following the American strategy of so-called de-risking or decoupling will only leave them reduced,” he said.

The message was also aimed at “anyone else who thinks they can avoid choosing a side or who’s considering choosing Beijing”, Mahoney added.

“Given the moderate tone of Blinken, it is hardly the case that he will target China in such a negative way,” said Alfred Wu, an associate professor at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy at the National University of Singapore.

Wu noted that Blinken’s message was also delivered during an uncertain presidential election this year.

Spectre of Trump hangs over Munich as China looks for openings in Europe

“To a large extent, Blinken’s quote is also campaigning for the election, meant to warn domestic audiences against a return to Trump-era isolationism [in foreign policy],” he said.

Major European economies have stepped up engagement with China in recent months. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz was the first leader from the Group of Seven industrialised nations to visit Beijing since the beginning of Covid-19 pandemic, meeting Chinese President Xi Jinping in November 2022. He is reportedly set to visit Beijing again in April.

French President Emmanuel Macron received a warm welcome last April in China, as he stressed that Europe must reduce its dependency on America and avoid being dragged into a confrontation between China and the US over Taiwan.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who visited France after attending the Munich conference, said: “China appreciates France’s adherence to independence and autonomy, and hopes that France will continue to play a constructive role in the sound and steady development of China-Europe relations, enhance mutual trust, promote convergence of interests, and jointly act as a force of stability in today’s world.”

In Munich, China defends ties with Russia, warns West on Taiwan ‘red line’

Meanwhile, China’s state-owned media lashed out at Blinken’s remarks in spite of the absence of any official response.

State news agency Xinhua published an opinion piece on Thursday criticising the comments, saying they carried a “comically menacing undertone”.

“One might jokingly inquire, ‘Who talks like that? Hannibal Lecter?’” the article said, referring to a fictional serial killer.

It added that Blinken’s “undiplomatic words represent the factors these allies fear could bring about ‘lose-lose dynamics’”.

“In plain language, if you have the strength, you devour others at the table; if you lack strength, you become the prey on the menu. It adheres completely to a jungle law where power and status, not ethical or legal norms, dictate actions,” the editorial said.

“Across the board, this engagement is important because, again, if we’re not doing it, someone else may be … you know the old expression: If you’re not at the table, you’ll probably be on the menu. We are and will remain at the table,” he replied.