During the last two decades China gained rising influence in the international environment. Since this rise is observed by many countries with concerns, Chinese politicians are eager to promote a “less confrontational, more sophisticated, more confident, and at times, more constructive approach towards regional and global affairs” (Medeiros & Fravel, 2003). In other words, China faces the difficulty to become a powerful player in the international system on the one side and to calm the concerns of other nations at the same time on the other side. Therefore, Chinese politicians recognized the importance of multilateral cooperative mechanisms and the shortcoming of bilateral or unilateral approaches to deal with international issues (Wang, 2000, p. 479). Therefore it is not surprisingly that Beijing increased its efforts to participate in international multilateral institutions in order to create win-win situations (Mingquan, 2005). However, in contrast to many western approaches to multilateralism, China emphasizes the principle of sovereignty and non-interference in domestic issues by demanding the acceptance of different political, military and economic domestic systems (Wang, 2000, p. 479). This evolution of foreign policy also accompanies the growing of power and influence and therefore advanced capabilities to safeguard national interests in international relations. Since the security challenges in a post Cold-War era have broadened, the upcoming “great power” China (Kim, 2003, p. 37) extended its engagement in international institutions and multilateral agreements.
Hence, in the following this paper will argue that China’s new multilateralism is subordinated to Beijing’s security interests in a changing globalized world. In order to support this thesis, central multilateral engagements will be analyzed and it will be argued that China’s new approach to international relations utilizes multilateral arrangements to pursue a cooperative security concept which aims at stabilizing of the regional and international environment as well as the combat against new security threats. On the other hand, it will be argued that Beijing’s engagement in multilateral bodies aims at the provision of economic security and therefore is significant contribution to secure and stabilize the ongoing rise of the fastest growing economy in the world. Furthermore this paper will analyze underlying incentives for Beijing’s engagement in these multilateral bodies.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Cooperative Security
3. Economic Security
4. Conclusion
Objectives and Topics
This paper examines how China's post-Cold War foreign policy shift towards active participation in multilateral institutions is primarily driven by national security interests, specifically aimed at stabilizing its regional environment, securing its economic rise, and managing power dynamics with the United States.
- Evolution of China's multilateral foreign policy
- Role of cooperative security in regional stability
- Integration into global and regional economic institutions
- Strategic engagement in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO)
- Participation in the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF)
- Multilateral cooperation between China and Africa
Excerpt from the Book
Cooperative Security
By recognizing that „since the end of cold war, major and profound changes has taken place in the international situation [and] the world is moving deeper towards multipolarity and economic globalization” (Zemin, 1999) China induced fundamental changes of its security policy. Instead of the traditional Chinese approach to ensure core survival concerns through bilateral arrangements (Xinbo, 2000, p. 2), Beijing now accepts the importance of a cooperative security concept that includes the multilateral cooperation with other nations and international institutions. During the late 1990’s, the concept of cooperative security became “the preferred mode of security cooperation in the world” (Mihalka, 2005, p. 114). In an era of globalization, defined as “processes through which states are criss-crossed and undermined by transnational actors” (Beck, 2000, p. 101) it is important to recognize that sovereign states remain the pivotal actors in international relations (United Nations, 2004, p. 1). Together with non-state actors and international institutions, states face a changing global threat situation that requires a multilateral cooperative strategy since “today’s threats recognize no national boundaries, are connected and must be addressed at the global and regional, as well as the national level” (United Nations, 2004, p. 1). Therefore in the face of threats such as inter-state conflicts, terrorism or transnational crime “no state, no matter how powerful, can by its own efforts alone make itself invulnerable to today’s threats. Every state requires the cooperation of other states to make itself secure. It is in every state’s interest accordingly, to cooperate with other states to address their most pressing threats because doing so will maximize the chances of reciprocal cooperation to address its own threat priorities” (United Nations, 2004, p. 16). Two strands of experience have shaped the Chinese endorsement of cooperative security both are defined by the changing international environment after the end of cold war.
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: Outlines the shift in Chinese foreign policy toward increased participation in multilateral institutions to manage rising power and address security concerns.
2. Cooperative Security: Analyzes how China adopted a cooperative security concept to address post-Cold War threats, specifically through the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation and the ASEAN Regional Forum.
3. Economic Security: Explores the connection between China's economic integration into global markets and its strategic use of multilateral forums to secure resources and ensure economic stability.
4. Conclusion: Summarizes the thesis that China's multilateralism is a strategic, utility-oriented tool designed to serve its national security interests while balancing influence against the United States.
Keywords
China, Multilateralism, Foreign Policy, Cooperative Security, Economic Security, Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, SCO, ASEAN Regional Forum, ARF, China-Africa Cooperation, Globalisation, National Interests, Regional Stability, Institutional Balancing, Sovereignty
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fundamental focus of this work?
The paper explores the transition in China's foreign policy from a bilateral to a multilateral approach following the Cold War and how this shift supports Beijing's broader national security and economic objectives.
What are the primary themes discussed?
The main themes include China's security strategy, economic integration, the role of international organizations, and the management of regional power dynamics.
What is the core research question or objective?
The work aims to demonstrate that China's new multilateralism is subordinate to its security interests, serving to stabilize the regional environment and protect its growing economy in a globalized world.
Which scientific method is applied?
The author employs a qualitative analysis of international relations, examining policy documents, academic theories on security and globalization, and case studies of multilateral engagements.
What topics are covered in the main body?
The main body investigates China's active roles in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, the ASEAN Regional Forum, and the China-Africa Co-operation Forum to illustrate the application of its security and economic strategies.
Which keywords characterize this study?
The study is characterized by terms such as multilateralism, cooperative security, economic security, institutional balancing, and Chinese foreign policy.
How does the author characterize China's participation in the ASEAN Regional Forum?
The author describes China's participation as initially skeptical and cautious, eventually evolving into a "selective and utility-oriented" approach to foster a cooperative identity and manage regional pressures.
What is the underlying motivation for China's involvement in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation?
Beyond regional stability, the author identifies Beijing's quest for support from Central Asian neighbors to combat domestic threats, particularly Uighur separatism in the Xinjiang province, as a primary driver.
- Quote paper
- MSc. M.A. Robert Fiedler (Author), 2008, Chinas new multilateralism in a globalized world, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/163694
