The limits of China’s economic coercion
In the West, the debate on engaging China is often framed as one about balancing human rights with economic interests. Yet the black and white dichotomy is an unhelpful one. It drives forward the assumption that standing up for human rights, or for that matter, raising political and strategically sensitive issues with Beijing, will severely jeopardize economic interests.
The reality is quite different. China has economic interests too. Trade is a two-way street. Investment can bring mutual benefits. Beijing remains sensitive to overly upsetting economic ties. Understanding Beijing’s limits in defending its political and strategic positions is instructive for Western countries in shaping their foreign and security policy positions with China.
In an opinion piece for the Toronto Star, DIIS senior researcher Luke Patey examines the limits of China’s economic coercion against Canada and compares the Canadian experience with those in Norway and Australia.
- Natural resources and environment
- Food and agriculture
- Defence and security
- Foreign policy
- Danish and European foreign policies
- EU External Relations
- World politics
- The politics of great and emerging powers
- Diplomacy and international organisations
- Global economy
- Global economic governance
- Emerging economies
DIIS Experts
