Hmm, you're right. It's true that the EU might be a moderating force. But it is also possible that the main thing holding the EU back from being more aggressive towards China is its lack of muscle. If the US backs it up, the EU might get the confidence it needs to act more aggressively. The US will also be "hurling firebombs" towards China no matter what. Remember that the leaked GOP memo said that they planned to blame everything on China? This has led to a huge amount of anti-China propaganda. By the time Biden wins, the political atmosphere would force him to act against China. It would be better for China to let them damage others as well. At least then the US's influence will decrease even further.
Think about it. The EU is based around international cooperation between different countries with different languages, cultures etc.
The nativists/nationalists look to their own interests. China can and has used this to fragment common EU positions.
The liberals/internationals spend all their time working out compromises that can satisfy everyone in the EU. They understand cooperation with China is a must.
So it's highly unlikely we will see an aggressive EU position against China.
This isn't a new thing. The USA has been doing the same to the EU for decades.
The US can still lead. They have the most advanced financial system and medical services in the world. They have the most experience leading coalitions, including those against epidemics (Obama was quick to react against Ebola). They definitely have experts that can lead. If Biden takes charge, the many problems Trump is responsible for would quickly disappear, and what would be left is a damaged but well coordinated US. If Trump gets elected, we will get a damaged US that keeps trying to harm itself.
China definitely produces the most tests and medical equipment. But I think India produces a comparable amount of vaccines?
I also agree that economically, China has been hurt terribly this year, and the the US and EU would do even worse. However, with Biden in charge, and with sound(er) economic policies than Trump, the US may still be able to recover faster than most expect. This may negate the advantage of China's possible economic growth.
Sorry if this seems too much like a US vs China zero-sum argument, but with the bipartisan decision to act more firmly against China, I feel like it would be better for China if the world is less coordinated with Trump reelected. At least then, the anti-China feelings would be uncoordinated and mostly left to domestic politics, as most countries are unwilling to stand up to China alone.
The US having the most advanced financial systems and medical services in the world DOES NOT MATTER.
How do these contribute to leadership in a COVID-19 pandemic?
What matters is creating *real* demand instead of more financial instruments.
That will stimulate the domestic economy and bleed over internationally.
The Chinese economy is better structured to do this, and China also won't be be wracked with continuous serious outbreaks like the US will likely be.
And during a pandemic, all those advanced medical services in the USA have been shut down in favour of intensive care and critical care services. Every country is capable of providing such services, although how much capacity they can provide is another question.
But that is dependent on production capacity for medical equipment, which is where China leads.
And then there are vaccines. Again, China is likely the developer and also manufacturer, given the ramp up in production capacity.
And that applies to treatments/drugs for COVID-19 as well.[/QUOTE]
Anyway, back on topic now. A discussion can be moved to another thread.
