Soft power diplomacy in action: Global response to US-China trade tensions
Related topics: China diplomacy Economic diplomacy Multilateral diplomacy Soft Power Diplomacy
Amid rising economic tensions between the USA and China, several Asian nations are turning to diplomatic channels to navigate the fallout. Japan is advocating for a reevaluation of tariffs through multilateral discussions, emphasising economic cooperation. India is pursuing a direct bilateral agreement with the USA, aiming to secure favourable trade terms and reduce dependence on China.
Malaysia is taking a different approach, urging ASEAN to rely on “soft diplomacy” to maintain regional stability and cohesion. These moves reflect a broader trend: smaller and mid-sized nations are increasingly leveraging diplomacy, not confrontation, to assert their interests in a shifting global economic landscape.
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