Thoughts today:

Many framed 2020 as a "worldwide backlash" against China, but I believe at large this is a western centric view (with the exception of India). Despite what the US and allies might say and do, there has been changes in the balance of power they fail to realize.

First of all, the obvious one: economics. It's been touched upon multiple times, and by Martin Jacques the other day, that China will be the only major economy to end 2020 with positive growth, whilst others suffer from massive slumps. This speaks volumes about pandemic response.

This will have a run on effect in 2021 too. Whilst other major economies are reverting from massive decreases back to square one. I.e the UK is forecasted to gain +6% back out of -11%, China will add more growth to growth, being forecasted 7-8%+ on top of its 2%+ this year.

Also, ignore western media rhetoric, trade and supply chains have consolidated in China's favour in 2020, than detracted from it as claimed. In November China's exports grew the fastest in years and its trade surplus is at its highest since 1990.

The pandemic has effectively served to mature China export railway links leading through Europe and the Middle East, with rail freight cargo now standing at record values. It is faster than shipping, and cheaper than air. The Belt and Road is working.

Next, vaccines. Despite western rhetoric again, the collective failure of the US and European countries to control the pandemic has meant their traditional role as "aid givers and overseers" of the developing world has been decimated. Their obsession with China deludes them here.

As a result of the domestic situation, western countries are hoarding vaccines for themselves, i.e Canada has 10 to 1. If a developing country has ordered from Pzifer/Moderna, they are back of the que. Therefore, China becomes the primary source of support for these countries.

Therefore, sensationalized talk of a "worldwide backlash" against China over covid-19 is for the most part, a western centric point of view. These narratives of blame have been so deeply saturated and self-righteous that they fail to recognize the underlying geopolitical shifts.

@threadreaderapp unroll