Much of the developed world – and a growing part of the developing world – is growing increasingly wary of and resentful towards China. Apart from being aware of that resentment, China is also aware that it is surrounded by hostile or, at best, neutral countries. It is, furthermore, only too aware that moves are afoot to curtail its economic prowess through shifting supply chains, reduced trade and even embargoes. The CCP is aware that, in the medium to longer term, it may not be able to cater to the requirements of its citizens and to reach its own economic and strategic goals without access to the resources of neighbouring and other countries. China is working, therefore, to ensure that it can access those resources in one way or another.

Key points:

• Recognising its geographic and economic vulnerabilities, China is moving rapidly to acquire the resources it needs in order to continue to grow.
• That strategy, however, has caused other countries to view China as a predator and untrustworthy.
• They are aligning, therefore, and coalescing in an effort to balance China and, if required, counter its predatory behaviour.
• That situation could easily get out of hand and lead to conflict.