Counting China’s wins and losses among ‘swing nations’ in new era of power rivalry
As US-China race for hi-tech resources heats up across Global South, countries caught in the middle are under pressure to strike a balance
In laying bare the limits of China’s economic-centric diplomacy towards third countries in its competition with the US, the Venezuela crisis has delivered a stark reminder that spheres of influence continue to shape global politics in this new era of great power rivalry.
In the intensifying rivalry for sway among middle powers and the so-called swing states – those not fully aligned with either great power – China had expanded its presence through economic clout, infrastructure investments and strategic partnerships in regions traditionally dominated by the US, they noted.
China has also deepened technological and scientific cooperation with the region, which it views as central to its drive for a united Global South capable of countering US pressure and advancing a new multipolar international order.