Further boosting ties with other developing countries helps China counter the US’ containment: Pakistani expert
Editor’s Note: While China’s status as a large developing country has enjoyed profound factual support and is widely recognized by the international community, the US has never relented its moves of trying to deprive China of its developing country status, aiming to contain and crack down on China’s development. In its latest attempt, the US Senate committee in early June passed the “Ending China’s Developing Nation Status Act.” However, it’s delusional for the US to expect to deprive China’s status as a developing country through its unilateral moves and its inconceivable arguments. How should China deal with the US’ continuing ill-intentioned campaign? Vaqar Ahmed (Ahmed), the Joint Executive Director at Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI) in Pakistan, noted in a recent interview with Global Times (GT) reporter Wang Yi that China should continue to strengthen its ties with other developing countries, while challenging the US’ arbitrary moves in the WTO. This is the third piece in a series of reports titled “China on development path.”
GT: In early June, a US Senate committee passed the “Ending China’s Developing Nation Status Act.” How should China deal with the US’ moves to deprive China of its developing country status?
Ahmed: The US Senate committee’s move to pass the “Ending China’s Developing Nation Status Act” could hurt China’s global economic and political standing. The act could make it difficult for China to access WTO benefits. China is expected to respond if this act comes through.
China could challenge the act in the WTO. The WTO has a dispute settlement mechanism that can be used to resolve trade disputes between member countries. China could argue that the act violates WTO rules, which prohibit discrimination against developing countries.
China could retaliate against the US. It could impose tariffs or other trade restrictions on US goods and services. This would hurt the US economy and put pressure on the US to withdraw the act.
China could work with other developing countries to oppose the act. China could build a coalition of developing countries that are also opposed to the act. This would increase the pressure on the US to withdraw the act.
While the above mentioned could be significant moves, China should continue to strengthen its ties with other developing countries – working to build stronger ties with Central and South Asia, Africa and Latin America. This would help to counter the US’ efforts to isolate China and would also give China more influence in the WTO.
China should also continue to expand its economic presence through investments such as those seen under China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). This would help to make China less reliant on the US and would also give China more leverage. It is important that China promotes its own development model.
GT: According to the standards set forward by the World Bank’s per capita gross national income (GNI) and the United Nations Development Program’s Human Development Index (HDI), China is still a developing country. How should we correctly view China’s status as a developing country?
Ahmed: There are several ways to view China’s status as a developing country. First, it is important to remember that China is a large and diverse country. There are significant disparities in development between different regions of China. Some regions, such as the coastal provinces, are much more developed than others, such as the inland provinces.
Second, it is important to consider the different criteria that are used to define a developing country. The World Bank’s GNI per capita standard is based on a limited measure. The HDI, on the other hand, takes into account a wider range of factors, including life expectancy, education, and income.
Third, it is important to remember that China is a developing country in transition. China is rapidly urbanizing and industrializing. This is leading to significant changes in Chinese society and economy. In conclusion, China is still a developing country, but it is a country that is rapidly developing.
GT: Some accuse China of using the status as a developing country to “seek profit” and “evade responsibility.” How do you view the contribution of China to the global economy and in international organizations?
Ahmed: It is important to remember that China is still a developing country. It has a large population and a low per capita income. The country needs to grow its economy in order to raise the standard of living for its people. This means that China will continue to benefit from preferential treatment in international trade and investment agreements.
It is also important to note that China has made significant contributions to the global economy and in international organizations. China is the world’s largest exporter and importer. It is also a major investor in developing countries. It has also played a constructive role in international organizations, such as the World Trade Organization and the United Nations.
GT: What role does China play in terms of boosting cooperation among developing countries?
Ahmed: China plays a significant role in boosting cooperation among developing countries through a variety of initiatives: The China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is a global infrastructure development program that is designed to connect China with Asia, Africa, and Europe. The BRI has the potential to boost trade and investment between developing countries, and it has already been used to finance projects in a number of countries, including Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Kenya.
The China-Africa Development Fund (CADF) is a $10 billion fund that was established to finance development projects in Africa. The fund has helped to finance a number of projects, including roads, bridges, hospitals, and schools.
The China-CELAC Forum is a forum for China and Latin America to discuss economic and trade cooperation. The forum has helped to promote cooperation on a number of issues, including infrastructure, agriculture, and energy.
China also provides financial assistance and technical cooperation to developing countries through its foreign aid program. Lately, the country has provided support to countries with balance of payment difficulties.