China has become more interesting for investors and other global powers as it is developing very fast economically and politically. China has also become internationally very active in recent years, which certainly has attracted attention around the world. But we have to consider that China is still a developing country which is not willing to adapt in all areas of international reforms. Rising global powers, in this case China, have always trigged dramatic side effects or serious changes in the power structure of the world. Certainly imperial ambitions, aggressive expansion and striving for power are known to be the reasons for many wars, hence destruction and chaos. The world will have to cope with big challenges because of Chinas need for new recourses, power and recognition. China already goes international unacceptable ways according to Western powers as it cooperates with countries like Iran. In some ways a confrontation seems to be inevitable, as states like the USA want to keep their hegemonial position in the world as long they got the power on their side. On the other side China’s military chairman Hu Jintao guarantees a peaceful rise from which not only the own countries will profit, also the international world around. To answer the question I will focus on Chinas current status, and how political and economical actions will favour or hinder the rise to a global power.
Also I will focus on how US interaction may hinder the rise as they see a threat in China. What will happen if the sleeping dragon awakes economically and politically?
Table of Contents
1 Introduction
2 China and the World
3 Foreign political influence
4 Economic Advancement – Cutting risks and selective cooperation
5 China and the USA
6 Evaluation
7 Bibliography
Objectives and Topics
This paper examines the rapid economic and political rise of China in the 21st century, specifically investigating the factors that facilitate this ascent and the potential obstacles—both domestic and international—that might hinder it, particularly in relation to U.S. hegemony.
- Analysis of China's current global economic and political status.
- Evaluation of the "China-Threat" theory versus the potential for peaceful integration.
- Investigation into the impact of U.S.-China relations on regional stability.
- Assessment of internal domestic challenges, including social inequality and environmental concerns.
- Exploration of China's foreign policy strategies, including international cooperation and security concerns.
Excerpt from the Book
3 Foreign political influence
The Chinese government aims for security in the region. Therefore the control over the regional order of the Asian Pacific is a main interest of the Chinese state to accumulate power and to secure its long run survival. This power would guarantee China with the help of deterrence to be protected of military attacks. China also rules the largest territory and population in Asia which gives the state a political power advantage.
China much secures its statehood. This happens with the help of the “One-China-policy”. China wants to keep its integrity with schismatic provinces like Taiwan and also Tibet (Xinjian/Osturkestan), which is a central characteristic of Chinese foreign politics. Also the territorial fights in the South- and East Chinese Ocean have to be included here.
In a neo-realistic view the growth of the economy and military strength is a must to strengthen the position of China in the international system. The Chinese economy has been growing since the mid 90th an amazing 9% per year. This seems to confirm the economic strength of China. Also the military budget is rising since 1995, and according to actual data from 2005, 67 billion are spend. China is the largest weapon importer. But estimations of security organisations (IISS, SIPRI) state that much more budget is invested (up to 9% of the GDP). At the same time China owns the biggest standing army of the world (about 2.5 million soldiers).
Summary of Chapters
1 Introduction: This chapter introduces China's rapid development and frames the central research question regarding whether China will emerge as a global power and what factors will influence this rise.
2 China and the World: This section explores the Western perception of China, specifically the "China-Threat" theory, while weighing it against the economic opportunities China presents for the global community.
3 Foreign political influence: This chapter examines China's regional security interests, its "One-China-policy," and the neo-realistic drive for military and economic strength.
4 Economic Advancement – Cutting risks and selective cooperation: This part analyzes China's strategic participation in international organizations and its calculated approach to multilateral cooperation for resource security.
5 China and the USA: This chapter details the tense relationship between the two nations, characterized by American containment strategies and China's reactions to U.S.-led security alliances.
6 Evaluation: This chapter synthesizes the previous findings to conclude that while China's peaceful rise is possible, it remains contingent on overcoming internal social issues and successfully navigating global geopolitical pressures.
Keywords
China, International Relations, Global Power, Economic Growth, U.S. Hegemony, China-Threat Theory, One-China-Policy, Military Modernization, Multilateral Cooperation, Geopolitics, Regional Stability, Asian-Pacific, Foreign Policy, Social Reforms, Security.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this work?
The paper explores the rise of China as an economic and political power in the 21st century, focusing on the factors that drive this ascent and the challenges that may impede it.
What are the central themes discussed in this paper?
Key themes include China's foreign policy, its integration into the global order, the "China-Threat" perception in the West, and the complex security dynamics between China and the United States.
What is the core research question?
The author seeks to answer whether China will emerge as a global power and what specific political and economic factors act as catalysts or hindrances to this development.
Which scientific approach does the author apply?
The paper adopts a political science perspective, utilizing elements of neo-realist theory to analyze military strength, economic growth, and the state's strategic interest in regional security.
What topics are covered in the main body?
The body covers China’s regional security policies, its engagement with international organizations, the economic impact of the "special economic zones," and the shifting power dynamics with the U.S.
Which keywords best characterize this research?
The most relevant keywords include China, global power, geopolitics, U.S.-China relations, foreign policy, and regional stability.
How does the author characterize China's approach to international cooperation?
The author describes China's approach as "selective," meaning that China tends to cooperate primarily when it serves its national interests or provides clear strategic advantages.
What role does the "China-Threat" theory play in the analysis?
The theory is used to illustrate how Western, and particularly U.S., perceptions of China as a military and economic threat influence global foreign policy and trigger containment strategies.
How does the internal situation of China affect its global rise?
The author argues that internal instability, such as regional inequality, environmental crises, and the lack of social welfare systems, poses a significant risk to China's continued economic growth and global influence.
What is the significance of the "One-China-policy" mentioned in the text?
It is presented as a central pillar of Chinese foreign policy aimed at maintaining territorial integrity, specifically regarding Taiwan and Tibet, which is crucial for the state's internal political stability.
- Quote paper
- BSc Daniel Döring (Author), 2006, Will China emerge as a global economic and political power in the 21st century?, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/79528
