Relative Importance of... Flashcards
Relative Importance of economic power
Economic power has been essential in enabling China to project itself on the global stage because…
Makes states reliant on them as the 2nd largest economy
Increases their international relevance - they can’t be ignored due to their ties in Latin America, Africa and Euro-Asia
Increased military presence due to increased expenditure - March 2023 mil budget increased by 7.2% (2021 = $209 bill US)
Relative Importance of political power
Xi places great importance in political power as demonstrated by: Corruption drive (2016 300 000 arrests), abolition of term limits, became Commander in Chief, introduced Xi Thought into thee constitution, developed the CD and appointed CCP members on private buis. boards
This is because it enables: Complete control domestically -> means that Xi can make quick and decisive decisions with no checks and balances on his actions
Relative Importance of trade
Trade has enabled China to forge closer relationships with traditional non-allies:
SK - 2015 $300bill FTA deal increased SK reliance on CH ie CH became SK no.1 trade partner -> 27.9% of their total trade is with CH h/w despite Pres Yoon condemnation of CH has made no move to distance relationship
Jap - 2019 $2.6bn trade deal -> CH becoming Jap’s no.1 trade partner h/w only 15% of Jap have +ve view of CH/Jap is historically tied to the US t/f parting ways with US to increase relationship with CH
Taiwan - CH is T no.1 export partner - most concerning semi-conducters h/w only 6% want immediate indep 2019 Wash Post
Trade enables:
Bolstering claims of territory due to decreased support for Taiwanese indep (6%…), Philippines 2016 UNCLOS finding dropped after trade deals
SK THAAD economic boycott dropped b/c trade with CH, CH becoming Regional Hegemon as it becomes regional countries largest trading partner
Becoming leader for alternative development model as 2nd lrgst economy -> “Let’s all win” (Xi)
Trade allows for transition 2 high end technological development
Relative Importance of military power
Xi places importance on military power as demonstrated by:
Increased military budget in March 2023 by 7.2% previously being $209bn US @ 2021, Xi appointed Commander in Chief t/f increasing his power and control over the military, Spending $2bn on Research and Development focusing on modernization and developing tech - 2020 goal of modernization has been acheived, Xi policy of “Peace through Strength”, CH army = 2mil active personnel (lrgst mil @ wrld), PRC has 150 ICBM and 2200 other missiles
Mock invasions of Taiwan, Senkaku Islands, Deploying advanced weapons systems in SthChSea
This is because it enables:
China to challenge the US monopoly position of control over Asia, Provides China with a force to defend it territorial claims, CH become threat to other countries t/f more recognized by internat community
Relative Importance of diplomacy
Use of diplomatic power:
Veto in UNCS, IMF voting
pwr increased to 6.19%, membership @ G20, APEC, WTO, ASEAN, CH has more diplomatic posts than any other country w 276, 2016 CH co-drafted UNCS resolutions post NK nuc test, March 2018 Xi + Kim met for 1st time following announcement that Trump + Kim + SK Moon were meeting, giving 2 Pandas to Finland @ 2018 if they recognize 1CH, gave 2 Pandas to Indo. @ 2017 recognising 60 yrs of diplomatic ties
This enables:
China to have greater influence over countries and make more states reliant on CH, make states want to have greater relations with CH b/c benefits provided with scope of influence, CH has greater influence in international decisions
