Foto ChatGPT/ Geopolitical Chess Game
Washington fears that the protracted confrontation with Iran weakens the US position on several fronts – from military to diplomatic – and at the same time opens new opportunities for Beijing, meduza writes with reference to The Washington Post.
According to the report, during the conflict, China has increased arms supplies to U.S. allies in the Persian Gulf, as well as strengthened its influence in the global energy market amid disruptions associated with the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. In addition, U.S. intelligence believes that Beijing was able to observe the actions of the U.S. army in a real war and analyze them to prepare its own operations.
A separate concern was the reduction of U.S. ammunition stocks. The Pentagon fears that some of the weapons used in the Middle East could be critical in the event of a possible crisis around Taiwan.
Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell rejected the findings that the global balance of power is shifting in China’s favor. He said the United States maintains a “robust and resilient arsenal” and is capable of deterring any adversary.
The White House also said U.S. forces have severely damaged Iran’s military capabilities over the course of the war. Administration spokeswoman Olivia Wales emphasized that the U.S. military remains “the greatest fighting force on the planet.”
In turn, the Chinese Embassy in the United States said that Beijing favored de-escalation of the conflict and urged not to use the situation in the Middle East to “vilify other countries”.
The publication of the report coincided in time with the talks between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing. During the meeting, the Chinese leader warned that the situation around Taiwan could lead to “clashes and even conflicts” between the two powers.
Beijing considers Taiwan a part of China and does not rule out a forceful scenario of “reunification.” At the same time, the United States continues to be the island’s main foreign policy and military partner.
