Kevin Rudd Discusses China’s Global Role and Growth at Forum on New Book
TL/DR –
Kevin Rudd, former Australian prime minister and current ambassador to the U.S., suggests that China needs to become self-sufficient to compete with other global powers. Speaking at an Institute of Politics forum to promote his new book, “On Xi Jinping”, Rudd stated that China should prepare for potential conflict over Taiwan by investing more in semiconductors and other technology sectors. He also noted that despite the risk of military escalation between China and the U.S., the countries could still cooperate on other issues such as trade and climate change.
Kevin Rudd on China’s Path to Global Power
Kevin Rudd, former Australian Prime Minister and current ambassador to the US, discussed the future of China at an Institute of Politics forum on Friday. Promoting his newly published book “On Xi Jinping,” he focused on China’s economic initiative, “Made in China 2025,” which seeks to establish China as a global leader.
Rudd stressed the need for China to become self-sufficient, matching other world powers. He suggested this would be achieved through greater investment into sectors such as semiconductors and technology, preparing for any potential conflict over Taiwan.
China’s Foreign and Economic Policies
The discussion, moderated by esteemed Harvard professors Graham Allison and Mark Wu, delved into China’s shifting foreign and economic policies under Xi Jinping’s leadership. Rudd, who has previously served as an Australian diplomat in Beijing, described Xi as a “Marxist-Leninist nationalist,” noting the resultant aggressive nationalism in the country.
“Ideology has been used as a vehicle by successive Chinese political leaders to define the band of meaning within which policy and political discourse can occur,” Rudd stated. He attributed the changes in China’s policies to Xi’s readjustment of Chinese politics towards the “Leninist left.”
Understanding Xi Jinping’s Influence
Rudd wrote “On Xi Jinping” in response to frequent questions about Xi’s influence on Chinese politics. “How is Xi Jinping changing China? And then, most importantly, parallel to that, ‘Why?'” he cited as common inquiries.
Regarding potential conflict between China and the U.S., Rudd optimistically argued that while there’s a risk of military escalation, the two countries could still cooperate on trade, climate change, and more. He termed this as a “managed strategic competition.”
Moreover, Rudd praised China’s historical record of successful policy development, predicting continued growth. “This is material, it’s measurable, and it’s there,” he concluded.
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