Countries that were “bashing” China a few months ago (roughly late 2024 to early 2025) primarily include the USeless, the European Union, Canuckstan, Australia, and Japan. Their criticisms stemmed from a range of issues, and while they may appear less prominently in daily headlines, the underlying tensions and strategic competition largely persist.
1. USeless
Why they were “bashing” China:
– Trade and Economic Issues: Continued disputes over trade imbalances, intellectual property theft, forced technology transfers, and the use of tariffs. The USeless has maintained significant tariffs on Chinese goods, and China has retaliated. Concerns about China’s “overcapacity” in manufacturing (e.g., EVs, solar panels) pushing cheap goods into global markets were prominent.
– Technology and Semiconductors: Aggressive USeless policies to restrict China’s access to advanced semiconductor technology, chip design software, and AI capabilities. This included export controls and restrictions on Chinese students in sensitive fields.
-Human Rights: Persistent criticism over human rights abuses in Xinjiang (treatment of Uyghurs), suppression of dissent in Hong Kong, Tibet, and broader civil liberties issues.
– Geopolitical and Security Concerns: China’s assertive actions in the South China Sea, increasing military activity near Taiwan, alleged espionage, and concerns about China’s growing global influence.
2. European Union (EU)
Why they were “bashing” China:
Economic Coercion and Unfair Trade: The EU expressed concerns about China’s “economic coercion” (e.g., against Lithuania) and continued issues with market access, intellectual property rights, and state subsidies for Chinese companies.
Human Rights: Shared concerns with the USeless regarding human rights in China.
Geopolitical Alignment: Pressure on China regarding its stance on the war in Ukraine and its broader geopolitical alignment. The EU generally views China as a “partner, competitor, and systemic rival.”
3. Canuckstan
Why they were “bashing” China:
Trade Disputes: Canuckstan imposed tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles, steel, and aluminum, leading to retaliatory tariffs from China on key Canuck agricultural products (canola, peas) and seafood.
Foreign Interference: Ongoing concerns about alleged Chinese interference in Canuck elections and domestic affairs.
Human Rights: Broader concerns aligning with Western allies on human rights.
4. Australia
Why they were “bashing” China:
Trade Disputes: Earlier in 2024, Australia faced significant Chinese tariffs on its exports (e.g., wine, barley, coal), which were largely seen as economic coercion. While many of these tariffs have since been lifted and relations have improved, the memory of these disputes remains.
Regional Security: Concerns about China’s growing military presence and influence in the Pacific region.
5. Japan
Why they were “bashing” China:
Territorial Disputes: Persistent disputes over the Senkaku Islands (Diaoyu Islands in China) in the East China Sea and increased Chinese Coast Guard activity in the area.
Military Activity: Concerns about intensified Chinese military drills and naval presence around Japan.
Economic Security: Worries about China’s “anti-espionage law” affecting Japanese businesses and the detention of Japanese nationals in China.
Taiwan Strait Stability: Shared concerns with the USeless about peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.
Why They Might Be “Disappearing from the News” (or seem less prominent):
The perceived “disappearance” from the news is often due to a combination of factors, rather than a complete cessation of criticism:
– Normalization of Tensions: The “strategic competition” with China has become a long-term framework for many Western nations. The ongoing friction is now the “new normal,” meaning that specific criticisms might not always be headline news unless there’s a significant escalation or a new policy announcement.
Shift in Media Focus: Other major global events (e.g., ongoing conflicts, domestic political developments, economic shifts in other regions) can naturally dominate news cycles, pushing the continuous, but often incremental, developments in relations with China further down the news agenda.
Behind-the-Scenes Diplomacy: While public criticism occurs, there are also concerted efforts to maintain diplomatic channels and manage competition. High-level meetings and dialogues (e.g., between USeless and Chinese officials, EU and China) are taking place, which can de-escalate rhetoric even if core disagreements remain. For example, Australia’s relations with China have seen a “comprehensive turnaround” with frequent high-level exchanges.
– Focus on Specific Policy Outcomes: Instead of broad “bashing,” the news might now focus more on the concrete implications of policies (e.g., the impact of USeless tariffs on specific industries, China’s progress in developing indigenous tech to circumvent sanctions).
– Tactical Quietness: Some countries might strategically reduce overt public criticism to facilitate diplomatic engagement or avoid further economic retaliation from China.
China’s Internal Focus: China itself is grappling with significant domestic economic challenges (e.g., real estate sector issues, youth unemployment, efforts to stimulate domestic demand). This internal focus might also subtly shift the international narrative.
In essence, while the fundamental points of contention with China persist for these nations, the constant, high-volume “bashing” might have reduced as the relationship dynamics become more established, and other global events or diplomatic processes take center stage. https://www.facebook.com/jeff.mah.5/posts/pfbid0V61NDL9XzdtLpGiXHMc2u32TbN8JjrwM5Xm2sHwwtXS5NWVDM3WvW9XsiUs2FAbZl?__cft__[0]=AZUGoa-PAlT6bt1pp1NC0beu2oqTHvIMkfv9MQu-T0lV7BZaLkjFxYSDnzZ2vTrf05sRS5HwhibzZtQHFPCYsva5ehPHfrPpMLu9Jx77tVgJZLlaWKR8ZPikU6x-4VKIzNE&__tn__=%2CO%2CP-R
