In US-China rivalry, middle powers urged to be ‘indispensable’ chokepoints
Por Laura Zhou — South China Morning Post – News feed
Advertisement Japan China Diplomacy In US-China rivalry, middle powers urged to be ‘indispensable’ chokepoints
By embedding deeply into supply chains, smaller countries that fear being squeezed out of global decision-making can offer a ‘best’ dish
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Laura Zhou in New Delhi Published: 9:00pm, 14 Oct 2026 Updated: 9:01pm, 14 Oct 2026
Middle powers should become “indispensable” chokepoints to safeguard strategic autonomy and survive the power rivalry between the US and China, former leaders and top diplomats said at a forum in India on Wednesday.
The assessment comes as smaller and middle-tier countries seek to protect themselves from mounting geopolitical uncertainties arising from the tariff war launched by US President Donald Trump. The trade conflict has hit America’s allies and foes alike and grown complicated amid volatility in the global energy market brought on by the US-Israel war on Iran , now in its eighth month with no sign of ending soon. Changing dynamics between Beijing and Washington have also loomed since Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping met last month in Washington, raising concerns among countries in between that they risk being squeezed out of global decision-making. Select Voice Select Speed 0.8x 0.9x 1.0x 1.1x 1.2x 1.5x 1.75x 00:00 00:00 1x AI-generated voice
