Beijing Rules: China´s Quest for Global Influence

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Allen has shown remarkable courage in writing this . . . A disturbing, insightful book about China's hidden, multitiered war—and how the West can fight back. The story of China's two-decade quest for global dominance reveals a broad and deep portfolio of quiet coercion. The Chinese Communist Party's authoritarian reach is evident in various instances, from the silencing of sports stars and major Western brands to Hollywood self-censorship and infrastructure deals tied to political loyalty in multilateral organizations. Beijing Rules exposes the strategies China employs to exploit Western weaknesses, such as linking market access to political compliance, imposing punitive tariffs, conducting online disinformation campaigns, and using private companies for espionage. Additionally, China has leveraged vaccines for geopolitical advantage and suppressed democracy in Hong Kong. These tactics, coupled with adept maneuvers during the global pandemic, have positioned China at the forefront of world powers. Bethany Allen, an internationally recognized investigator into China's covert influence, highlights how Western institutions have often acquiesced to Beijing's coercion. As we emerge from the pandemic and confront new geopolitical tensions, this analysis warns of a significant shift in the global order and emphasizes the need to safeguard the freedoms we often take for granted.