A New China-Led Axis Thanks to Donald Trump

What we have witnessed in recent days in Tianjin and then China's 'Victory Parade' in Beijing this week is nothing short of momentous.

- Mandar Parikar

As nations struggle and pivot around to realign to a new axis, these are watershed moments perhaps not seen since the dramatic Bandung Declaration of 1955.

It was in Bandung, Indonesia 70 years ago, when 29 Asian and African developing countries laid the foundation of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) advocating political and economic independence of nations from the Cold War power blocs.

For this dramatic shift, we have to thank Donald Trump. Unleashing a tariff assault across the globe, and threatening foes and friends alike, he has re-juggled the dominoes and opened a large window of opportunity for China to lead a new anti-US axis.

Attempting to force India and others to queue up behind his 'America-first' doctrine, it is Trump who has triggered a new movement of self-respect among nations. Admitting to shooting himself in the foot, Trump said on Truth Social on Friday: "Looks like we've lost India and Russia to deepest, darkest China. May they have a long and prosperous future together."

Tianjin and Beijing

The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), floated by China in 1996 as a security bloc dubbed the 'Shanghai Five,' has always been a nondescript setup. It was initially formed in 1996 to settle post-colonial border disputes between Russia, China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan.