China's Economic Strategy Draws Global Attention

China has emerged as a leading proponent of geoeconomics, utilizing economic tools to enhance its geopolitical influence and assert control over its trading partners. The country has significant leverage, being the largest trading partner for over 130 nations, allowing it to maneuver economically rather than militarily, as shown by past actions against Japan and Norway. In response to recent U.S. sanctions targeting Chinese firms for their links to Russia, China condemned these measures as unilateral and disruptive to global trade, vowing to protect its companies' rights. Amid these tensions, Chinese criminal enterprises have expanded their global reach, engaging in money laundering and illegal activities that undermine international stability. Notably, a sophisticated money-laundering operation in the UK highlights how Chinese nationals exploit foreign currency restrictions. Furthermore, concerns grow over Chinese entities attempting to gain control of strategic resources in Western markets, exemplified by the Yuxiao Fund's activities in Australia.