US Policy of Containment Towards China

News:

ABC news reported, on 29 July 2023, in a piece by Luis Martinez that, “BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA – The United States and Australia will deepen their military ties after reaching an agreement that expands their military cooperation as both countries work to deter China’s growing influence and territorial claims in the western Pacific. Appearing at the news conference Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Secretary of State Antony Blinken affirmed that both nations are focused on maintaining stability and security in the region which is being threatened by China. “Our two countries are defending the international rules based order, which has underwritten peace and security for decades, and which ensures that each country can make its own sovereign decisions free from any coercion,” said Blinken who described China’s destabilizing actions in the South China Sea and towards Taiwan.”

Comment:

Recent news highlights a deepening of military ties between the US and Australia. This containment strategy against China involves significant military efforts. It has led to a substantial financial burdens on US and its allies. The policy of containment against China was accelerated during the Obama administration, with the issuance of the Asia pivot policy. The recent Russian invasion of Ukraine, and the emergence of the Russian threat within the European theatre, has further drained US military and financial resources. The US has sought to shore up Ukrainian military capabilities to help it in challenging Russia.

For Muslims, it is essential now to move beyond the discussions of moving in to the Chinese or Russian camps, or working as a subordinate state to the US, in exchange for maximum benefits. Instead, we should approach the current international situation with a broader vision, like the Khaleefah Abu Bakar Siddiq (ra) did during the era of the Persian and Roman empires. Sensing fatigue and strain on the military and financial capabilities of the Romans and Persians due to prolonged wars, Abu Bakr (ra) recognized that an opportunity had opened up in the international arena to spread Islam. He strategically acted with a bold and courageous strategy of simultaneously challenging both superpowers by sending military expeditions against them. He then began a chain of battles by the Khulafaa Rashidoon that eventually led to the lands of the Romans and Persians, coming under the shade of Islam.

Similarly, the current international situation involves tensions between the great powers of today. It is draining their energy and resources as Europe, Russia, China and the US compete with each other for power and influence. This competition is a drag on their power and strength. They don’t have the capacity and unity to open a strong, united and effective new front against the Muslim World.

The US loss in Afghanistan at the hands of Taliban serves as a significant example of the weakness of US power.  Allah (swt) says in the Noble Quran,

[إِنَّ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُواْ يُنفِقُونَ أَمْوَالَهُمْ لِيَصُدُّواْ عَن سَبِيلِ اللّهِ فَسَيُنفِقُونَهَا ثُمَّ تَكُونُ عَلَيْهِمْ حَسْرَةً ثُمَّ يُغْلَبُونَ وَالَّذِينَ كَفَرُواْ إِلَى جَهَنَّمَ يُحْشَرُونَ]‏‏

“Surely the disbelievers spend their wealth to hinder others from the Path of Allah. They will continue to spend to the point of regret. Then they will be defeated and the disbelievers will be driven into Hell.” [TMQ Surah Al-Anfal 8:36].

In the current scenario, Muslims should perceive the current international situation as an opportunity to establish the Khilafah (Caliphate) on the Method of Prophethood. It will unify the lands of Muslims and combine their military, financial, agricultural, and industrial resources to propagate Islam throughout the world. Allah (swt) said,

[يُرِيدُونَ أَن يُطْفِؤُواْ نُورَ اللّهِ بِأَفْوَاهِهِمْ وَيَأْبَى اللّهُ إِلاَّ أَن يُتِمَّ نُورَهُ وَلَوْ كَرِهَ الْكَافِرُونَ]‏

“They wish to extinguish Allah’s light with their mouths, but Allah will only allow His light to be perfected, even to the dismay of the disbelievers.” [TMQ Surah At-Tawbah 9:32].

Written for the Central Media Office of Hizb ut Tahrir by
Engineer Zeeshan – Wilayah Pakistan