The East wind blows harder

The global power balance is shifting as China and Russia assert dominance in technology and diplomacy

In the escalating contest between the West and the Rest, it is now clear that the West, while still packing the more powerful punch, is weakening. In the Asia-Pacific, the US Navy’s stance has shifted from dominance to deterrence. In the economic sphere too, Washington has switched from being on the offensive (technology bans, trade restrictions and financial sanctions) to playing defence (putting up a tariff wall around the US market). And Western support for Ukraine has not stopped Russia. Mao had declared somewhat ahead of time that the East wind prevails over the West wind. That may now be