Explanation of China's National Interests ?

Question 1

Secession and Territorial Integrity definition?

Answer 1

Territorial Integrity: 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.

The principle of territorial integrity states that a state must not promote secessionist movements within another state. Nor must one state try to change the borders of another; which is the basis upon which states are entitled to exercise sovereignty within their own borders.

Historically there is a deeply held belief within China that unless all of the Chinese lands are held by the same sovereign authority, the Chinese nation may become fragmented, and be reduced in its power.

Question 2

Secession and Territorial Integrity Theory?

Answer 2

 Central to Beijing’s desire to create a socialist harmonious society is the determination that none of these regions seek, declare, or attempt to attain, independence.

 If one region were to succeed in breaking away from the authority of Beijing, it is feared that this would encourage further separatism; undermining the power of the government.

 Under this principle, the People’s Republic of China regards any state which recognises Taiwan as interfering in the internal affairs of the People’s Republic of China, and has consistently refused to maintain diplomatic relations with such states.

 Territorial integrity is most associated with reassumption of sovereign control over Taiwan and continued control over the restive western autonomous regions of Xinjiang and Tibet.

 China has sought to isolate Taiwan in the international community. China has sought to limit Taiwan’s participation in international organisations.

 Deng Xiaoping 1980s on foreign policy goals: “to preserve China’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity”

Question 3

Economic Development definition?

Answer 3

Economic Development: The process of raising the level of prosperity and material living in a society through increasing the productivity and efficiency of its economy. Central to development of the economy is 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.

Question 4

Economic Development Theory?

Answer 4

 The measure of the Chinese Communist Party’s fitness to rule—and its survival—is based on its ability to enhance national prosperity, restore China’s prestige and stature, and unify the nation. There exists a continual implicit relationship between the government and the governed in The People’s Republic of China: 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, assisting in the founding of a harmonious society.

 Development of the economy, and the raising of the prosperity of Chinese people, is one facet contributing towards the establishing and maintenance of a ‘harmonious society’.

 The sustained achievement of economic development is predicated/centred on China’s successful use of potential economic power, diplomacy and cooperation in multilateral forums.

 China’s urgent need to acquire natural resources for its economic development has led to Beijing to increasingly reach out to states with resources.

 A requirement of developing a modernised, capable military capacity as an emerging superpower—to contest US dominance—is a strong economy. The ability to purchase innovative weaponry and arms capabilities is therefore largely dependent on the Chinese economy.

Question 5

Harmonious Society Definition?

Answer 5

Harmonious Society: Is a socio-economic vision that is said to be the result of Chinese leader Hu Jintao’s signature ideology. 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. The establishment and maintenance of a harmonious society is dependent on the peoples’ interests aligning with that of the regimes.

Question 6

Harmonious Society Theory?

Answer 6

 China’s rapid development has been associated with an increased proportion of social unrest and civil dissent that, if not managed and dealt with by the PRC, threatens to derail the government and its autonomy.

 One of the problems a state faces when it undergoes rapid economic growth is that such growth inevitably causes social changes, which can destabilise its society. Apart from extreme inequality, the main problem Chinese society faced was identified as being social injustice and the absence of the rule of law, with corrupt local Party officials ignoring the rights of the average person, and corrupt courts refusing to intervene. It was to counter this problem, which China was facing, that the concept of developing a ‘harmonious society’ originated.

 The “harmonious society” concept was intended therefore to make China a fairer and more equal society. It was generally acknowledged that President Hu Jintao’s program was intended to represent a deep change within Chinese politics and government.

 China has formally introduced the concept of a “harmonious world” into its political lexicon to express its commitment to “peaceful rise/development” and a “harmonious society” at home.

 China’s focus has changed from economic development to overall societal balance and harmony, in terms of what is fundamental to its survival and functioning.

 The Socialist Harmonious Society concept was a response to the problem of social inequality/ wealth gap, which if not dealt immediately, could lead to social unrest and even turmoil.

 First publically introduced by Hu Jintao at the United Nations in 2005, it is meant to demonstrate China’s commitment to global peace and stability, and to the goal of a more just and equitable international system.

 Intended to produce “coordinated development; social equity and justice; cultural harmony and the ideological and ethical foundations of social harmony; and the need to improve public administration to build a vigorous and orderly society.”

Question 7

Peaceful Rise definition?

Answer 7

Peaceful Rise: A term used to describe the country’s foreign policy approach in the early 21st century, seeking to characterize China as a responsible world leader emphasizing 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. The term suggests that China seeks to avoid unnecessary international confrontation.

Question 8

Peaceful Rise Theory?

Answer 8

 Central to China’s efforts to carve a role for itself in the global arena is the awareness that peace and stability benefit its desire to develop economically, and that it is a necessary requirement for superpower status. Beijing therefore acknowledges its need for a peaceful rise—one that does not overly concern its peers and the region.

 The image that ‘peaceful rise’ was supposed to convey was a state that was responsible in its use of its new found power; that was committed to concentrating on its internal development and the welfare of its people rather than projecting its power aggressively abroad; and preferred to emphasize soft power rather than engaging in confrontation. It was partly based on the assessment that good international relations enhanced China’s power and image.

 China needs to demonstrate to the world the unthreatening nature of its ascent and allay fears its rise will damage Western interests.

 Rhetoric used to reassure the international community of China’s benign future and that China’s rise will not be a threat to existing powers.

 The term is used primarily to reassure the nations of Asia and the United States that the rise of the PRC in military and economic prominence will not pose a threat to peace and stability, and that other nations will benefit from PRC’s rising power and influence.

 The doctrine emphasizes the importance of soft power and is based in part on the premise that good relations with its neighbours will enhance rather than diminish the comprehensive national power of the PRC.

 Part of this doctrine dictates that the PRC will avoid neo-mercantilism and protectionism.

 In diplomacy, the doctrine calls for less assertiveness in border disputes.

 The term proved controversial because the word ‘rise’ could fuel perceptions that China is a threat to the established order.

 Zheng stated that in today’s new world, the PRC should instead develop peaceably, and in turn help to maintain a peaceful international environment.

Question 9

Additional?

Answer 9

Additional
• China pursues an “independent foreign policy of peace”.

• Independence means China does not align itself with any other major power.
• It seeks peace so it can focus on development.
• China tells its neighbours that its economic development and growing military might will not turn the country into a regional bully.

• Principles of Peaceful Co-Existence:
Mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity
Mutual non-aggression and non-interference
Equality and mutual benefit
Peaceful coexistence

Implications
Good Neighbourly Relations—prevents external instabilities from spilling over to fuel internal frictions
Non-interference in internal affairs, ie Taiwan and Tibet.

• New Security Concept:
Emphasis on mutually beneficial economic cooperation
Establishment of bilateral strategic partnerships that are not directed at any third country

Implications
Marks new proactive Chinese approach to international affairs
Offers alternative vision of international order.