UNITED STATES’ CONTAINMENT POLICY: A STRATEGIC COMPETITION BETWEEN US AND CHINA IN THE PERSPECTIVE OF BRI VS B3W

Abstract

This study examines the historical and contemporary strategies of the United States and China in their pursuit of global influence. It highlights the US's post-World War II offensive policy, focusing on political, economic, and military alliances to counter communism during the Cold War. The US established key alliances like NATO, the Marshall Plan, SEATO, and CENTO, effectively containing the Soviet Union. In contrast, the contemporary era witnesses China's ambitious Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), aimed at connecting numerous countries through infrastructure and trade. China claims it seeks to promote economic development and people-to-people ties. However, concerns arise regarding BRI's loans, interest rates, and potential control of infrastructure in the event of defaults. The United States and its allies view BRI with suspicion, suggesting it serves China's geopolitical ambitions and may lead to economic domination. They respond by forming alliances such as QUAD, Three Seas Initiative, Build Back Better World (B3W), Blue Dot Network, and AUKUS to counter China's expansionism, much like their efforts during the Cold War. B3W, supported by G-7 countries, is the principal initiative aimed at countering BRI. China's commitment to invest nearly US$1 trillion in BRI by 2050, primarily in underdeveloped nations, contrasts with B3W's reliance on G-7 countries and private sector investments. This discrepancy suggests that China may be more successful in pursuing its goals through BRI. The competition between the US and China intensifies, with the former taking an offensive stance while the latter adopts a more defensive posture. Both countries claim to work for the betterment of developing nations, particularly in the Eurasian region. The text concludes by emphasizing the potential benefits of mutual cooperation between the US and China to address the infrastructure and fiscal challenges facing developing nations. Overall, this discussion sheds light on the contrasting approaches of the US and China in their pursuit of global influence and their implications for the developing world.