‘The Step’ addressed the Peter Francoprominent Professor of World History at the University of Oxford, Director of the Byzantine Research Center at the same university, whose latest book entitled “The Transformations of the Earth” (2024) is published by Alexandria Publications, to comment on the Sky
Chinese leader Xi Jinping used the summit to promote Beijing as a reliable counterweight to the US. Did he achieve his goal?
“The meeting was an important statement of intentions, but not only on its part. It is easy to demonize China; but there are many states looking for a counterweight to. One cause is Trump and the duties it imposes. The reason that Indian Prime Minister Monty and Si had such constructive discussions was 50% that the US imposed on Indian exports. But it is more important how links and institutions will be created that will truly deepen these partnerships.
In the past, SCO and BRICS actually served as “showcases” where there were statements for future cooperation and more opportunities beyond the West. In recent months, however, discussions have become more detailed and more meaningful. So yes: The meeting was important. Si said that the world is facing a choice of “peace or war, dialogue or confrontation”. He meant that China and its partners would offer the first; the US and their allies the second. This is a message with an appeal of 85% of the world population that does not live in the West. The big question is what will follow. “
You have written that America loses friends while China is winning. Now that Trump alienates his allies, China is the main beneficiary?
“Trump still has three years of term. Today’s chaotic phase of American power will pass. We cannot underestimate the enormous size of the American economy, the army, science, technology and cultural influence. Every man in Greece has heard about Taylor Swift or Tom Cruise; most people know Chatgpt; and everyone knows the US Army.
As for China, people are still having trouble. It is true that there is a statue of Confucius who talks to Socrates in Athens; that Kazantzakis idealized Chinese culture; and that the acquisition of the port of Piraeus did not evolve as badly as many were scared. However, China finds it difficult to make her story known, partly because she does not clearly explain what she offers and what she is seeking. “
In Beijing, Si told Russian President Putin that China -Russia relations “have resigned in the test of a changing international situation and set an example of relations between major countries.” How do you interpret it?
“For the statement, it means that China deals with its own affairs, does not interfere with Ukraine and offers support to Moscow at a time when Russia has turned into a party. Putin is grateful for the financial and technological support of China. For Beijing, the great concern is that the US is trying to slow down or even reverse China’s rise. So finding allies or partners is important.
In addition, Russia is a critical source of supplies for China – energy but also metals, food, agricultural products. The collaboration between them is more complicated than it seems. As for whether the West has a reason to fear China and/or Russia, I believe that in the West we have lost our sense of purpose: is Europe a commercial union? A political alliance? Fear relates to ignorance and absence of a plan. Lack of vision and purpose pushes people into fear. Maybe it’s worth clarifying what we want, how to achieve it and what our role in the world is. “
According to Si, by 2027 the Chinese Armed Forces should be ready to occupy Taiwan if the mandate is given. What is your appreciation?
“He had two purposes: to show the power of the army and that each attack will find a decisive answer. I think the presentation of so many new weapons systems was more aimed at deteriorating than challenge. The issue of Taiwan is certainly important. It is interesting that when the US and Israel bombed facilities in Iran, Beijing did nothing unusual compared to Taiwan. It could have been a “good” time to move, since the international attention was focused elsewhere. We can conclude that China handles Taiwan’s issue with care. This will probably change. “
