How should we combat China’s economic coercion? | CSIS

In How Should We Combat China’s Economic Coercion, CSIS experts argue that China weaponizes trade to shape the sovereign choices of states and firms through economic pressure and political signaling. The panelists describe this coercion as a persistent tool that drives fear and self-censorship across governments, companies, and public debate.

The discussion emphasizes that policymakers must pair de-risking and early warning with collective action that raises the cost of coercion and strengthens shared resilience. The discussion also centers on building credible economic deterrence so targets can resist pressure without absorbing the shock unilaterally.

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Economic coercion is guaranteed and ongoing. “There is a 100% chance that China will use economic coercion against target states by 2027.”

Fear and self-censorship are the real effects. “That self-censorship point…is really important…when you can get countries to do or not do or not say things without even exercising any overt coercive power.”

China does not need coercion to “work” to succeed. “It’s the tip of the spear…they just need to do that a little bit to send the message that you better behave.”