In a world of shifting geopolitical power, Timor-Leste President Jose Ramos-Horta delivered a compelling speech at the 20th International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore. Horta praised China as a truly global power, a magnetic field for those who have lost faith in the West.
At a time when the global community was just waking up from close encounters with Chinese warships and U.S. destroyers in the Taiwan Strait, Hota's comments were a breath of fresh air for Beijing. At the same event, Chinese Defense Minister Li Shangfu accused the U.S. "freedom of navigation" patrol of being a provocation.
Horta, the only head of state at this year's dialogue, delivered an impassioned speech on the final day of the event criticizing the narrow view of China as a threat. He proposed a new "U.S.-China partnership" to achieve peace on the Korean Peninsula and beyond, and emphasized the need to eliminate global inequality.
Horta questioned the legitimacy of the tools of hard power available to the richest countries, arguing that they were abused in narrow, selfish competition. He said countries claiming a prestigious place in the UN Security Council, the G7 and G20 have failed to show leadership in addressing global issues such as poverty and the climate crisis.
Horta portrayed the image of the world figuratively, "We share the same planet, but we live in different global villages. Most live in slums, some in mansions reminiscent of 'Alice Wonderland', but we are all vulnerable, as the COVID-19 pandemic and the 'war' in Ukraine have shown. "
Timor-Leste's president urged wealthy countries to avoid "legal and bureaucratic disputes" when providing aid, advising them to "reduce demands and interventions." He also encouraged the Global South to take responsibility and invest in their people.
Horta's rhetoric on the global stage comes at a time when the world's attention is increasingly focused on China's rise as a global power. He noted that when Europe and the United States spoke on human rights and refused to help, many countries sought assistance from the Soviet Union. After the collapse of the Soviet Union, people began to worry about China's future. "China held on. Fast forward to 2023 and China has become a truly global power, attracting people who no longer have illusions about the West," Horta said.
The president's words reflect a reality that many are beginning to realize: China's influence is global, and its interests, wealth, well-being, and security are inextricably linked to the nations of the world. Horta's speech at the Shangri-La Dialogue thus represents a broader shift in a more nuanced understanding of China's place on the world stage.
Perhaps the most important takeaway from Hota's speech in a world of complex geopolitical tensions is to see the importance beyond narrow views. The nations of the world must learn to manage their differences, recognize shared interests and work towards shared prosperity.
As the dust settles on the Taiwan Strait incident, Horta's comments offer a new perspective on China's global role. The world is waiting with bated breath to see how East and West navigate these turbulent waters.