In the fields where I have some insight or knowledge, I’m seeing China going for autarky.
Where there are dependencies left, they seem to invest (literally) in financial control, more than military control. Unlike Russia and the US.
Are they preparing for the moment when they have to pull up the bridge because of global events?
Or are they preparing to cause a global event, after which they can’t afford to be dependant on Russia, US, EU and India?
I'm not sure I'd agree with that analysis. They're ramping up their military projects, especially for force projection along the nine-dash line. And they are and will almost certainly remain economically dependent on foreign countries for oil and natural gas, raw materials, and food. Their Belt and Road investments are an acknowledgement of those dependencies. Maybe they aren't reliant on the West for anything except an export market, but autarky is entirely out of reach.
@DaveMWilburn energy wise, I’m seeing a decrease in oil/gas exports, and increase in solar/wind/battery/hydrogen(?).
I’m guessing that’s because they need to further reduce their dependence on oil (Venezuela as a case in point).
Besides Taiwan, their military activity I know of is limited. Apparently they’re still ambitious?
Their Belt And Road activities is an example of what I meant by investing their way into power.
Anyway, for now just a possible pattern, so thanks for the food for thought!
@avuko @DaveMWilburn Worth noting that Xi is actually an environmental scientist and has long wanted to move China toward renewables for both economic independence and environmental reasons. It's been a stated policy goal for some time.
