China's use of military power FPI Flashcards
Foreign policy instruments used by China to achieve national interests
How does China use military power for national interest?
2021 - China passes law allowing coast guard ships to be armed and use force against other naval bodies in China’s waters
- empowers to take ‘all necessary measures’ including use of weapons to protect sovereignty
Uses hard power, threatened use of force to deter.
When did China use 2021 coast guard law?
March 2024 - used on Philippine ships in South China Sea. Damaged US relations ‘condemns the dangerous actions’
How else does China use military power to achieve national security with Taiwan?
In 2019, Xi Jinping stated in a speech that China reserved the right to use military force to bring reunification with Taiwan. Expresses China’s military power as a threat
Why does China use military power to achieve economic prosperity (+ national security) in the South China Sea?
Claims on Spratley and Paracel islands based on the nine-dash line. 2016 decision in PCA, 9 dash line proven to be unlawful and contradicting UNCLOS, where states have sovereignty over 200 nautical miles from the coast.
Islands are important for China’s trade, and contain large reserves of oil and gas. China is worried about US influence and militarisation lending to other states in the Sea.
What are the disputed islands in the South China Sea, and who are they claimed by?
In the Spratly and Paracel islands, which are claimed by China, Vietnam, Taiwan, Malaysia and Brunei
When did China militarise islands in the South China Sea?
Since 2013, China constructed over 3,200 acres of artficial islands and expanded islands.
in 2018, China installed anti-aircraft and anti-ship missiles on Fiery Cross Reef (Spratley islands).
When was China challenged in its claims in the South China Sea?
in 2013, Phillipines filed a claim in the Permanent Court of Arbitration. Evidence was put forward by Vietnam to support this (decrease in China’s international standing and regional relationships). Found that claims were unlawful.
How is the situation in the South China Sea demonstrating China’s hard/military power?
By making claims, China is using force to coerce others to leave the territories so China can claim land. Furthermore, by acquiring these islands, China is able to appear stronger with a larger territory, exerting more influence and having a larger arsenal to utilise its military. Additionally, by doing so, China can utilise the militarised islands to threaten other states which may challenge such claims, instilling a threat of intervention in China’s plans.
How does China’s military power impact regional relationships? (US)
Due to the claims in the South China Sea, President Trump in 2017 instigated the Freedom of Navigation Patrols (FONPs) policy. This created tensions as the US demonstrated their military power, challenging China’s ability to control the Sea.
2019, China warned to implement countermeasures against FONPs
IN 2022, a patrol was conducted, Chinese military claimed illegal entry into Chinese waters without government approval.
How does China’s military power impact regional relationships? (AUS)
Australia has not sent partols in the Sea. In 2018, PM made statements urging China to follow international law (2015 Court of Arbitration)
2023, AUS Defence minister stated several divers sustained injuries from sonar pulses by a Chinese Warship off the coast of Japan
China responded by claiming for Australia to ‘stop making trouble’
How has military power as a foreign policy instrument impacted China’s international standing?
in 2017, China opened a logistics base in Djibouti (Africa), expanding military outside of the Asia-Pacific. This increases its military influence. Although, China clams the base is strictly to support peacekeeping operations in the area. Rumors that China plans to add such facilities into 19 countries around the world.
