Vivek Ramaswamy, a GOP presidential hopeful with a slim chance of winning, has proposed a controversial foreign policy stance. He has promised that if he were to become president, he would allow Russia to maintain control over the territory it currently holds in Ukraine. In exchange, he would make a firm commitment that NATO would not admit Ukraine into the international military alliance. Additionally, Ramaswamy suggests that Moscow should sever its growing alliance with China. However, recent developments in the region may require a reevaluation of these proposals.
There is a growing sentiment that Russia would not be comfortable playing second fiddle or appearing subservient to China in any alliance between the two nations. This is especially true as their economic ties continue to strengthen, benefiting Moscow’s war efforts. The complex history between Russia and China adds another layer of complexity to the situation.
A recent development that may further strain the Russia-China relationship is China’s release of a new national map. This map claims territories of several neighboring countries, including a portion of Russia. This move is significant because it challenges the existing border agreements between the two countries, which were ratified only in 2005 after centuries of border disputes. China now asserts that certain territories, including two river islands shared with Russia, are within its easternmost borders.
While Moscow has yet to comment on the map officially, it is unlikely to sit well with Russia, as accepting China’s new borders would be a significant concession.
- Advertisement -
The Philippines, Malaysia, and India have already expressed their objections to China’s new international map. These nations have released strongly worded statements accusing Beijing of making territorial claims on their lands. China’s Ministry of Natural Resources defended the map, stating that it aimed to correct inaccuracies in previous maps. However, it appears that China’s assumptions of universal acceptance were misplaced.
The Philippines, for instance, rejected the map because it includes the so-called “10 dash line,” which forms a “U shape” that encompasses the entire South China Sea as part of China’s territory. This overlaps with the exclusive economic zones (EEZ) of the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei, Vietnam, and Indonesia. In 2016, an Arbitral Award invalidated China’s expansive claims in the South China Sea, largely ruling in favor of the Philippines.
India has also protested the map’s release, lodging a strong diplomatic protest. India’s foreign secretary, Arindam Bagchi, stated that they reject China’s claims as baseless and that such actions by China only complicate the resolution of the border dispute between the two nations.
This recent development comes after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese leader Xi Jinping agreed to “intensify efforts” to reduce tensions along their shared border during a BRICS summit in South Africa. The upcoming G20 Summit in India is expected to address border issues, and India has already expressed its concerns about China’s new map.
Beijing responded to these protests by suggesting that neighboring countries should not overinterpret the issue and that the map represents China’s exercise of sovereignty. However, China remains resolute in its territorial claims.
- Advertisement -
As a result of this map release, there is speculation that Xi Jinping may choose not to attend the G20 Summit. It appears that China’s actions are causing increasing unease among its neighbors and potential allies.
For the United States, these developments may present an opportunity to build stronger alliances in the Indo-Pacific region. China’s assertiveness is raising concerns among its neighbors, leading some, like the Philippines, to forge closer ties with the U.S. President Joe Biden is also scheduled to visit Vietnam after attending the G20 Summit, indicating a growing interest in the region.
In conclusion, Vivek Ramaswamy’s proposed foreign policy stance regarding Russia and China may need reevaluation in light of recent developments. China’s release of a new national map, with territorial claims that challenge existing agreements, has raised tensions in the region and could strain China’s relationship with Russia. This situation offers opportunities for the United States to strengthen its alliances in the Indo-Pacific as China’s assertive actions cause concern among its neighbors.
