Three-time Pulitzer Prize-winning writer and widely read columnist Thomas Friedman has warned that China as a world power is making "decisions that are incredibly dangerous". Speaking at the 19th edition of India Today Conclave 2021 on Friday, Friedman pointed out the drawbacks in the country’s policies and said, “China is alienating everyone. They are becoming the least collaborative country in the world.”

He also drew attention to the disappearance of Jack Ma, who he dubbed as “Steve Jobs of China”, and said, “What does that [Jack Ma’s disappearance] do for their technological collaboration?”