China's National Interests

Question 0

Define ‘Economic Development’, how it links in with the idea of a harmonious society, and how it relates to military power.

Answer 0

• The process of raising the level of prosperity and material living in society through increasing the productivity and efficiency of its economy
• The increase in the standard of living in a nation’s population with sustained growth from a simple, low-income economy to a modern, high-income economy
• This links in with ‘harmonious society’ as the governed are willing to accept a powerful communist government and trade off certain rights and liberties for the assurance of economic prosperity. Therefore, the PRC must ensure economic development to appease the public
• This relates to military power as the ability to purchase innovative weaponry and arms capabilities is therefore largely dependent on the Chinese economy

Question 1

Define ‘Succession and Territorial Integrity’, why is this a focus of China? Provide examples of this national interest in action.

Answer 1

• Is the principle under international law that nation-states should not attempt to promote secessionist movements or to promote border changes in other nation-states
• It is the state of being whole and undivided - upholding national sovereignty
• China have focused on this interest because if one region were to succeed in breaking away from the authority of Beijing, it is feared that this would encourage further separatism; therefore undermining the power of the government

Examples:

• Reassumption of sovereign control over Taiwan
• Continued control over the restive western autonomous regions of Xinjiang and Tibet
• China has also sought to isolate Taiwan in the international community

Question 2

Define the National Interest: ‘Creation of a Harmonious Society’, how China’s rapid development relates to this interest, and describe how it relates to a ‘peaceful rise’.

Answer 2

• A society in harmony is one which is content with the leadership of the PRC, where social unrest and dissent is minimised, and where secessionist movements are prevented.
• Dependant on the people’s interests aligning with that of the regimes
• China’s rapid development has been associated with an increased proportion of social unrest and civil dissent which threatens to derail the government and its autonomy, thus, the ‘creation of a harmonious society’ became a focus for the PRC.
• This interest is meant to demonstrate China’s commitment to global peace and stability, and to the goal of a more just and equitable international system (Peaceful Rise)

Question 3

Define ‘peaceful rise’ as it relates to China’s national interests, its relation to the use of ‘diplomacy’, and its relation to economic power.

Answer 3

• Seeking to characterise China as a responsible world leader emphasising soft power; and vowing that China is committed to its own internal issues and improving the welfare of its own people before interfering with world affairs
• This interest suggests that China seeks to avoid unnecessary international confrontation
• In relation to diplomacy, the doctrine calls for less assertiveness in border disputes
• Peace and stability benefit its desire to develop economically given that the use of ‘soft power’ will enhance China’s relations with its neighbours (increasing trade, alliances etc)

Question 4

List the Principles of Peaceful Co-Existence and their implications.

Answer 4

-Principles of peaceful co-existence include:
Mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity
Mutual non-aggression and non-interference
Equality and mutual benefit
Peaceful Co-existence

-It’s implications are:
Good neighbourly relations - prevents external instabilities from spilling over to fuel internal fractions
Non-interference in internal affairs (Taiwan and Tibet)

Question 5

Describe the characteristics of China’s new security concept and its implications.

Answer 5

-China’s new security concept is based on:
The Emphasis on mutually beneficial economic cooperation
Establishment of bilateral strategic partnerships that are not directed at any third country

-It’s implications are:
Marks new proactive Chinese approach to international affairs
Offers alternative vision of international order