8-person State Department team known as ‘The Firm’ aids countries when China threatens trade with them

U.S. State Department’s Efforts to Counter Economic Coercion by China

An eight-person team at the U.S. State Department is at the forefront of Washington’s efforts to mitigate the economic impact on countries targeted by China’s economic coercion. This initiative aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, and Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals.

Origins and Expansion of the Team

The team, led by State Department senior adviser Melanie Hart, was initially formed to support Lithuania during a dispute with China over Taiwan. Since then, the group has expanded its reach, providing assistance to over a dozen countries facing similar challenges from Beijing.

Strategies to Combat Economic Coercion

The team’s approach involves analyzing vulnerabilities and crafting strategic responses for nations at risk of losing trade with China. This effort is part of a broader campaign by Washington to counter China’s global influence amid escalating tensions.

China’s Response

The Chinese Embassy in Washington has denied allegations of economic pressure, accusing the United States of unfairly targeting Chinese companies and mislabeling Beijing as an economic coercer.

Case Studies

1. Norway faced a halt in salmon purchases by China after awarding the Nobel Peace Prize to a Chinese dissident in 2010.
2. The Philippines experienced a rejection of banana imports due to a territorial dispute in 2012.
3. Australia saw increased tariffs on barley and wines following its call for a COVID-19 origin investigation in 2020.

Lithuania’s Stand Against Economic Coercion

Lithuania’s decision to allow Taiwan’s de-facto embassy to bear the name Taiwan led to economic retaliation from China. However, Lithuania sought help rather than capitulating, receiving support from the U.S. and its allies, including new market opportunities and financial assistance.

Confidential Assistance and Tools

The State Department team operates confidentially, offering a range of undisclosed tools to assist countries in crisis. Their goal is to provide immediate relief and long-term strategies to diversify trade and reduce reliance on China.

International Recognition

Experts like Shay Wester from the Asia Society Policy Institute have praised the initiative as a necessary response to China’s tactics. The high demand for such support underscores its significance.

Lithuania’s Conference on Resisting Economic Pressure

A recent conference hosted by Lithuania focused on resisting economic coercion, emphasizing the need for a collective stand against such practices.

Conclusion

The U.S. State Department’s efforts reflect a commitment to supporting global economic stability and resilience against coercive practices, contributing to the achievement of SDGs and fostering international partnerships.

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Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

The article addresses several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including:

1. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
2. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
3. SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
4. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

Specific targets under the SDGs that can be identified from the article include:

• Target 8.2: Achieve higher levels of economic productivity through diversification, technological upgrading, and innovation.
• Target 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable, and resilient infrastructure to support economic development and human well-being.
• Target 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all.
• Target 17.16: Enhance the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development complemented by multi-stakeholder partnerships.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

The article implies several indicators that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets, such as:

• Indicator for Target 8.2: Growth rates of GDP per employed person.
• Indicator for Target 9.1: The proportion of the rural population who live within 2 km of an all-season road.
• Indicator for Target 16.3: The number of countries that adopt and implement constitutional, statutory, and/or policy guarantees for public access to information.
• Indicator for Target 17.16: The number of countries reporting progress in multi-stakeholder development effectiveness monitoring frameworks that support the achievement of the sustainable development goals.

4. Create a table with three columns titled ‘SDGs, Targets and Indicators” to present the findings from analyzing the article.

Copyright: Dive into this article, curated with care by SDG Investors Inc. Our advanced AI technology searches through vast amounts of data to spotlight how we are all moving forward with the Sustainable Development Goals. While we own the rights to this content, we invite you to share it to help spread knowledge and spark action on the SDGs.

Fuente: fortune.com

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