This week saw the leaders of Singapore, Malaysia and Spain travel to China for visits. They seem to have a clear message: all three nations hope to strengthen ties with China. In April, China is expected to host more visiting foreign leaders.

Interestingly, during a recent European Council summit, UN chief Antonio Guterres called on the EU leaders not to isolate China. The very fact that Guterres made this comment on that occasion is a sign that, to certain countries, “isolating China” is an idea on their mind. On the part of the US government, it is a perceived geopolitical strategy pursued by forming a US-led coalition to counter China.

Is it realistic to isolate China internationally at a time when many countries actually want to enhance ties with China?

Host Ding Heng is joined by Zhou Bo at Tsinghua University’s Center for International Security and Strategy; Dr. Lee Pei May at the International Islamic University Malaysia; Dr. Yu Hong with National University of Singapore.