Executive summary
- The People’s Republic of China (PRC) continues to use trade as a tool to coerce other countries if they criticise or support critics of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), or refuse to acknowledge Beijing’s expansionist territorial claims.
- Australia, Japan and Taiwan have each defied Beijing’s economic coercion by diversifying markets, avoiding escalation and reinforcing partnerships. Canberra’s commitment to free trade and use of international institutions, Japan’s ‘small yard, high fence’ strategy and Taiwan’s New Southbound Policy offer example solutions.
- The United Kingdom (UK) and other countries can mitigate any future Chinese economic pressure by strengthening economic security and proving their resilience. In doing so, His Majesty’s (HM) Government would be wise to consult and learn from Indo-Pacific partners.
About the author
Gray Sergeant is a Research Fellow in Indo-Pacific Politics at the Council on Geostrategy.
Robert Walker is a Research Fellow in the Indo-Pacific Development Centre at the Lowy Institute.
Athena Tong is a Visiting Researcher in the Economic Security Intelligence Lab at the RCAST, University of Tokyo.
Ming-Min Yang is an Assistant Research Fellow at the Chung-Hua Institution for Economic Research.
Disclaimer
This publication should not be considered in any way to constitute advice. It is for knowledge and educational purposes only. The views expressed in this publication are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Council on Geostrategy or the views of its Advisory Council.
Image credit: Double exposure of China flag, coins stacking and investment graph chart, Dilok Klaisataporn, Canva Pro Licence
No. 2025/11 | ISBN: 978-1-917893-02-2