Part 5/10:
Turning to India, the country appears to be poised as a neutral but significant player in these developments. Vice President JD Vance's recent visit to India, underlining its importance as a key Indo-Pacific partner, was coupled with India's imposition of a temporary tariff on cheap steel imports from China. This signals India's cautious stance, aligning more closely with U.S. interests while safeguarding its economy.
Meanwhile, Cambodia, often seen as a Chinese ally, displayed surprising independence. Soon after Xi's visit, Cambodian ports welcomed Japanese naval vessels, marking a significant gesture towards Japan and the U.S. Given China's strategic investment in Cambodia's naval infrastructure, this indicates a balancing act rather than outright allegiance.