The novel coronavirus pandemic has dealt a major blow to China’s image, with the world's most populous country's credibility damaged grievously, said former Indian ambassador to China, Gautam Bambawale.
The pandemic has also brought to the fore vulnerabilities and shortcomings in global institutions such as the United Nations (UN).
The new world order that emerges post the pandemic could create space for a group of middle powers to provide global leadership, which could include Japan, India, France and South Africa, he said.
Edited excerpts from an interview. There seems to be two different patterns to the way China is operating right now – one is belligerent/threatening towards the West and the second is a seemingly softer approach