EP139: China’s Economic Sanctions: A Tool of Foreign Policy

Summary:

In this episode, we comprehensively analyze China's evolving use of economic sanctions as a foreign policy tool. We detail China's shift from a target of sanctions to an active user, emphasizing its preference for informal, often opaque methods such as regulatory barriers and consumer boycotts. Several case studies, including those involving South Korea, Australia, Lithuania, and Norway, illustrate the impact and strategic objectives of these sanctions. We also explore the economic and political ramifications of China's approach, examining global responses and the future implications for international trade and diplomatic norms. Finally, we compare China's sanction strategy to those of Western powers, highlighting key differences in methodology and intent.