America’s tussle with China is really a contest between a duopoly and meritocracy

Joe Biden and his Western allies are now fully awakened to the economic and geopolitical strength of China. This was made visible to all in 2020, when China alone quickly controlled Covid and powered on, driving the “growth economies” dependent on it: from emerging markets to even developed economies, not just because of vast economies of scale in manufacturing, but more importantly also because of projects in the Belt and Road Initiative, which was designed to ensure that even with major disruptions, China would still be able to prosper.

To expect no resistance from the Five Eyes would be naive. However, while the one stick that they try to beat China with, human rights, may galvanise the news media and liberals, it has an minimal impact on those with money – including the many companies eyeing the half a billion and growing middle class in China, as well as the belt and road partner countries.

The economies that decouple from China are simply letting Beijing have those strategic pieces of artificial intelligence, technology and even rare earths. As Beijing’s strategy is always to make the most of an opportunity, it is using the perceived bullying of China to galvanise otherwise apathetic Chinese citizens.

While there may be some resistance to China’s becoming No 1 on Biden’s watch, the country’s ascent will certainly be unstoppable in the coming decade, even as the Biden administration fades into a distant memory. For China takes the long view, it has all the necessary strengths (infrastructure, meritocratic governance, and so on), and it is well-placed to make this happen.

Although Biden tries to frame America’s tussle with China as some sort of contest between democracy and autocracy (or dictators), it really is about two systems of social organisation: duopoly versus meritocracy.

A strong leader who has both a deep understanding of strategy and a desire to meet the needs of the people comes only once in many generations. Meritocracy allowed Xi to climb up the political ladder over the course of decades, by honing his capability and generating support.

Despite the Western media image of Xi, he is one leader who has a clear-eyed view of the path forward for China and the support of his people in securing the future.

On the other hand, America’s political duopoly, at least in the past decade, has resulted in greater polarisation, with its citizens paying the price.