Advocating for a Strong Coalition Against China

In a recent interview, Rahm Emanuel, the U.S. Ambassador to Japan and a prominent figure within the Democratic Party, emphasized the need for the United States to draw lessons from the Cold War as it navigates its competition with China. He argued that the U.S. and its allies should establish a robust coalition aimed at countering what he terms 'economic coercion,' 'mercantilism,' and 'debt-trap diplomacy' employed by China against various nations across Asia, Africa, and beyond.

A Vision for Trade-Defense Coalition

Emanuel elaborated on his vision in a Wall Street Journal op-ed, suggesting the formation of a trade-defense coalition, reminiscent of NATO, where member nations would pledge to assist each other economically if targeted by Chinese pressure tactics. In his interview with Semafor, he remarked, 'While I wouldn't classify our relationship with China as a Cold War, we can still learn from that era about how to build coherence in our deterrence strategies.'

Avoiding an 'Asian NATO'

He made it clear, however, that he is not advocating for an 'Asian NATO,' a concept previously mentioned by Japan’s new Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. According to Emanuel, the U.S. has effectively isolated China through diplomatic and security alliances but acknowledged the need for a more cohesive economic strategy to complement these efforts.

Progress in Counterbalancing China

'We’ve made significant progress in counterbalancing China, ensuring that China, the isolator, becomes isolated,' Emanuel stated. 'However, we must elevate our economic strategies to match our security and diplomatic initiatives.'

Biden Administration's Efforts

In recent years, the Biden administration has intensified cooperation with allies in Asia as apprehension grows over China's military ambitions and aggressive trade practices. Notable moves included President Biden’s diplomatic maneuvers which unified Japan and South Korea at a landmark Camp David summit last year, as well as a trilateral summit involving Japan and the Philippines earlier this spring. Moreover, security alliances like AUKUS aim to bolster Australia against China's burgeoning military capabilities by delivering nuclear-powered submarines.

The Need for Comprehensive Economic Framework

Nonetheless, Emanuel stressed the urgency of developing a comprehensive economic framework to effectively counter China's retaliatory measures. He pointed to specific incidents, such as China's punitive trade restrictions on Australia following its call for an inquiry into the origins of COVID-19, and on Lithuania after it established a trade office for Taiwan.

A Multi-Faceted Strategy Required

Emanuel concluded with a critical observation: 'To be an effective deterrent, we must engage on all fronts. Relying on just two out of three areas—economic, political, and security—is insufficient; effectiveness relies on our weakest link.'

Conclusion: Safeguarding Global Stability

As tensions with China escalate, Emanuel's call for a united front emphasizes the significance of a multi-faceted approach to safeguard global economic stability and alliances in an increasingly competitive landscape.