cross-posted from: https://lemmy.sdf.org/post/32657170

The rest of the West can no longer rely on the United States. The European Union, Japan, Britain, Canada and others need to reduce their dependency on Washington while not becoming reliant on China. That means weaning themselves off the dollar, boosting cooperation in trade and defence, and reaching out to emerging economies such as India.

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The more ambitious the rest of the West is in boosting cooperation among itself and with emerging economies, the lower the risk that it will have to depend on China. Australia has already turned down an offer from the People’s Republic to join forces against the United States. Japan, South Korea, India and many ASEAN countries also feel threatened by Beijing. Europe is exposed indirectly because the People’s Republic is the main backer of Russia, which has invaded Ukraine.

Beijing will also be looking for new markets for its products now that the U.S. has put 145% tariffs on Chinese imports. Other countries can defend their industries by imposing anti-dumping tariffs. But it would be wise to be selective. For example, it could make sense to buy large quantities of Chinese rare earth minerals now that Beijing has severely curtailed their export to the United States. Europe and Japan could also scoop up Chinese solar panels to fast-track the roll-out of renewable energy and reduce their dependency on American gas.

Developed countries may be able to cooperate with China on issues such as climate change, which Trump has said is a hoax. But they will still need to keep their distance on many topics. Cutting dependency on both Washington and Beijing at the same time will take time and be costly. But the rest of the West could regret it if they do not.