Biden May Strengthen 'Five Eyes' Alliance to Counter China

Alliance-Focused Biden Strengthens Information Sharing and Cooperation Among Five-Nation Alliance
Discussion on Possible Participation of Japan and India

[Asia Economy Beijing=Special Correspondent Jo Young-shin] It has been suggested that the new U.S. administration under Joe Biden may strengthen the 'Five Eyes' alliance to counter China.

Jiang Tengjun, a researcher at the China Institute of International Studies' U.S. Research Institute, stated in a Global Times article on the 18th that President-elect Biden values alliances to effectively achieve diplomatic goals.

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

He further emphasized the need to closely watch whether the new president will strengthen the Five Eyes to suppress China. The Five Eyes is an Anglo-American intelligence alliance consisting of five countries: the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

Researcher Jiang predicted that Biden will enhance information sharing and cooperation with the Five Eyes on China-related issues.

He pointed out that the extent to which other members of the Five Eyes will participate in the U.S.'s attempts to contain China depends on the specific policies of the Biden administration.

He also mentioned that Australia and Canada have acted like U.S. henchmen, while the United Kingdom and New Zealand have been relatively restrained.

In particular, New Zealand was absent from the joint statement condemning China's enactment of the Hong Kong National Security Law and is walking a tightrope between China and Western allies for economic recovery, he added.

Researcher Jiang said that the U.S. is considering expanding the Five Eyes alliance and that participation by Japan and India is being discussed.

He criticized the Five Eyes alliance as a product of the Cold War that causes ideological confrontation and endangers the international order.