China’s role on the global stage is a complex balancing act—one that leverages a dual strategy: strict control internally and strategic engagement externally. This creates a paradox where China exploits the openness of democratic systems to strengthen its position while maintaining an authoritarian grip at home.
Two Sets of Rules, one playing Field
China operates with two playbooks:
- Domestically: Control is paramount—of information, markets, and societal narratives.
- Globally: China engages and benefits from open economies, technology, and free markets in the West.
This dual approach presents a significant challenge to Western democracies. While Western countries uphold values like free speech, data privacy, and environmental standards, these very systems can be exploited by China’s state-controlled economy and strategic use of technology.
Asymmetric Competition
Consider this analogy: Two children play basketball, but only one follows the rules. The other takes advantage of their opponent’s adherence to fairness. This reflects China’s economic and digital engagement:
- Cheap labor and state subsidies allow China to undercut Western businesses, constrained by ethical labor practices and environmental regulations.
- Tech platforms like TikTok gain massive popularity globally while raising concerns about data privacy and manipulation.
global infrastructure and influence
China’s Belt and Road Initiative is another example of their long-term strategy. On the surface, it promotes economic development through infrastructure projects. Beneath, it expands China’s geopolitical influence and increases dependencies on Chinese investment and technology.
Exploiting vulnerabilities in open Societies
A key insight from the podcast is China’s understanding of narrative power: controlling what people see and hear to shape global perceptions. Open societies, already strained by internal divisions, become vulnerable to such influence. Social media, for example, can amplify polarization, turning openness into a strategic weakness.
the road ahead: acknowledging and acting
Western democracies face a stark choice:
- Diversify dependencies: Reduce reliance on Chinese supply chains and technology.
- Strengthen data security: Enforce stricter privacy regulations and demand transparency from global tech platforms.
- Promote core values: Actively defend free speech, democracy, and human rights on the global stage.
This isn’t about demonizing China but about understanding and addressing the asymmetric strategies at play. As the podcast suggests, we need a multi-pronged approach—proactive, strategic, and collaborative—to safeguard the strengths of open societies while navigating this complex global chess game.