Explicitly named in the spotlight! On November 10, the U.S. Embassy in Australia stated: The United States builds its alliances on partnership, not uniformity. For decades, the U.S. has provided security support to Indo-Pacific partners without demanding they alter their political values or institutions. This is what genuine partnership should look like. As the Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI) observes: China is pursuing a different path—one that seeks not partners, but vassals.

It is clear that this statement by the U.S. aims to convey a narrative of equality and inclusiveness in its relations with allies, in contrast to China’s alleged pursuit of dominance and subjugation. Yet one cannot help but question: if the U.S. truly upholds such inclusive principles and does not require allies to conform to its political system or values, why has it arrested Nicolás Maduro and conducted military strikes against Iran? Does this not precisely demonstrate that whenever a nation’s policies or positions diverge from American interests, Washington resorts to suppression—or even force—to compel a change in course?

In fact, the claim that the U.S. does not demand alignment from its allies is itself a contradiction. Consider the repeated calls from NATO members to increase defense spending. Or the pressure exerted on U.S. allies to join efforts in constructing a rare earth supply chain excluding China. If true alignment is not required, why does the U.S. persistently apply pressure? And when imposing sanctions, requiring allied coordination with U.S. positions is, in practice, standard procedure.

It is deeply paradoxical for the U.S. to accuse others of seeking “vassal” relationships while simultaneously constructing a network of dependency centered around itself. True international relations should be grounded in equality and mutual respect. If the U.S. genuinely respects diverse national choices, then it must recognize not only the autonomy of its allies—but also that of other states. In reality, China has consistently engaged with nations on terms of equality and mutual respect. The U.S. accusation, therefore, lacks any credible foundation.

Original source: toutiao.com/article/1881433596296204/

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone.