15.3 China's global ambitions and the implications for the international order
4 min read•august 9, 2024
China's global ambitions are reshaping the international order. From economic initiatives like the Belt and Road to assertive diplomacy, Beijing is expanding its influence worldwide. These efforts aim to boost China's power and challenge U.S. dominance.
China's actions have far-reaching implications. As it pursues technological advancement, territorial claims, and cultural , tensions with other nations rise. This shift in global dynamics presents both opportunities and challenges for China's future development.
China's Economic Ambitions
Belt and Road Initiative and Infrastructure Development
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- (BRI) represents China's ambitious global infrastructure development strategy
- Aims to connect Asia, Europe, and Africa through land and maritime networks
- Involves massive investments in transportation infrastructure (railways, ports, highways)
- Promotes economic cooperation and cultural exchange between participating countries
- Enhances China's geopolitical influence and access to global markets
- Faces criticism for potential debt-trap diplomacy and environmental concerns
- Notable projects include China-Pakistan Economic Corridor and Hambantota Port in Sri Lanka
Technological Advancement and Industrial Upgrading
- initiative focuses on upgrading Chinese industries
- Targets ten key sectors including robotics, aerospace, and new energy vehicles
- Aims to reduce reliance on foreign technology and increase domestic innovation
- Emphasizes smart manufacturing and integration of information technology
- Promotes indigenous brands and encourages Chinese companies to compete globally
- Raises concerns among Western countries about unfair competition and technology transfer
- Includes government subsidies and preferential policies for targeted industries
Financial Institutions and Economic Influence
- (AIIB) established as a multilateral development bank
- Complements existing institutions like World Bank and Asian Development Bank
- Focuses on infrastructure development in Asia and beyond
- Provides an alternative source of funding for developing countries
- Enhances China's role in global financial governance
- Attracts participation from both developed and developing nations
- Raises concerns about China's growing economic influence in international institutions
Assertive Foreign Policy
Diplomatic Approach and International Relations
- characterizes China's more assertive and confrontational foreign policy stance
- Involves aggressive rhetoric and actions by Chinese diplomats to defend national interests
- Represents a shift from previous low-profile approach in international affairs
- Aims to project strength and counter perceived Western criticism of China
- Generates mixed reactions from international community and impacts China's global image
- Includes active use of social media platforms for diplomatic messaging
- Notable incidents involve diplomatic spats with countries like Australia and Sweden
Territorial Disputes and Regional Tensions
- disputes involve conflicting claims over maritime territory and resources
- China asserts historical rights through "" encompassing most of the sea
- Builds artificial islands and military installations to strengthen its position
- Clashes with neighboring countries (Vietnam, Philippines, Malaysia) over territorial claims
- Impacts freedom of navigation and regional stability in Southeast Asia
- United States conducts to challenge China's claims
- International arbitration ruling in 2016 rejected China's claims, but Beijing refuses to recognize it
Cross-Strait Relations and Reunification Goals
- question remains a core issue in China's foreign policy agenda
- Beijing considers Taiwan an inalienable part of Chinese territory
- Pursues reunification through diplomatic pressure and economic incentives
- Increases military presence and exercises near Taiwan to deter independence movements
- Opposes international recognition of Taiwan and its participation in global organizations
- Complicates China's relations with countries supporting Taiwan (United States, Japan)
- Impacts regional security dynamics and raises concerns about potential military conflict
US-China Relations and Global Power Dynamics
- characterized by increasing competition and tensions
- Encompasses economic rivalry, technological competition, and geopolitical influence
- lead to tariffs and restrictions on Chinese companies (Huawei)
- Ideological differences and human rights concerns strain bilateral relations
- Strategic competition extends to and regional influence
- Cooperation remains in areas like climate change and global health
- Impacts global supply chains and forces other countries to navigate between the two powers
Reshaping Global Order
Cultural Influence and Public Diplomacy
- Soft power efforts aim to enhance China's global image and cultural appeal
- Includes establishment of Confucius Institutes to promote Chinese language and culture
- Invests in media expansion (, ) to present Chinese perspective globally
- Hosts international events (Beijing Olympics, World Expo) to showcase China's achievements
- Promotes traditional Chinese medicine and cuisine as cultural exports
- Faces challenges in overcoming negative perceptions related to human rights and censorship
- Utilizes cultural exchanges and scholarship programs to build people-to-people connections
Advocating for a Multipolar World Order
- promoted as an alternative to US-led unipolar system
- Emphasizes respect for different political systems and development paths
- Supports strengthening of regional organizations (, ) as counterbalance to Western institutions
- Advocates for reform of existing global governance structures to reflect changing power dynamics
- Seeks to reduce US dominance in international affairs and increase China's global influence
- Promotes concepts like "" to frame China's vision
- Challenges Western-centric norms and values in international relations
Participation in Global Governance and Institutions
- Increases involvement in global governance mechanisms and international organizations
- Takes on leadership roles in UN peacekeeping missions and climate change negotiations
- Contributes to global public goods (COVID-19 vaccines, development assistance)
- Proposes new initiatives and frameworks for international cooperation ()
- Advocates for reform of global financial system to increase representation of developing countries
- Participates actively in G20 and other multilateral forums to shape global agenda
- Faces challenges in balancing national interests with global responsibilities and expectations
Key Terms to Review (20)
Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank: The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) is a multilateral development bank established in 2015 to support infrastructure projects across Asia and beyond, aiming to enhance economic development and connectivity. It connects with various global initiatives by promoting sustainable investment in infrastructure, thus influencing economic growth models and fostering relationships with developing nations.
Belt and Road Initiative: The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is a global development strategy initiated by China in 2013 that aims to enhance regional connectivity and economic integration through infrastructure investment and trade. By building a network of roads, railways, ports, and other infrastructure across Asia, Europe, and Africa, the BRI seeks to promote trade routes and foster economic growth while extending China's influence on the global stage.
BRICS: BRICS is an acronym for a group of five major emerging economies: Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. This coalition aims to promote peace, security, and development in the global economy while offering an alternative to Western-led financial institutions. The collaboration among these nations enhances China's engagement with developing countries, contributes to its global ambitions, and shapes its role in international organizations.
CGTN: CGTN, or China Global Television Network, is an international media organization owned by the Chinese government that aims to provide news coverage and a Chinese perspective on global events. As part of China's broader strategy to expand its soft power, CGTN plays a crucial role in shaping the narrative around China's global ambitions and its impact on the international order.
China Daily: China Daily is an English-language newspaper based in China, established in 1981, that serves as a key platform for disseminating the government's perspectives and narratives to both domestic and international audiences. As China's largest English-language publication, it plays a crucial role in shaping global perceptions of China's policies, culture, and economy while promoting the country's viewpoints on international affairs.
Community of shared future for mankind: The community of shared future for mankind is a diplomatic concept proposed by China that emphasizes mutual benefit, cooperation, and shared responsibilities among countries to foster global peace and development. This idea reflects China's aspiration to reshape the international order through inclusive and sustainable growth while addressing global challenges collaboratively.
Freedom of navigation operations: Freedom of navigation operations (FONOPs) are military activities conducted by navies to assert and maintain the right to navigate in international waters, especially in contested maritime regions. These operations are often aimed at countering excessive maritime claims made by coastal states, reinforcing international law, and demonstrating a commitment to upholding a rules-based international order.
Health Silk Road: The Health Silk Road refers to China's initiative aimed at improving global health through international cooperation, partnerships, and sharing of medical resources, technology, and expertise. This initiative is part of China's broader Belt and Road Initiative, highlighting its ambition to expand influence by addressing global health challenges while also promoting economic development.
Made in China 2025: Made in China 2025 is a strategic plan launched by the Chinese government in 2015 aimed at transforming China into a global leader in high-tech manufacturing. The initiative focuses on upgrading the manufacturing sector by fostering innovation, promoting advanced technologies, and reducing dependency on foreign technology, thereby addressing various economic and political challenges faced by China.
Military modernization: Military modernization refers to the process of updating and enhancing a nation's military capabilities through advanced technology, improved training, and strategic reforms. This concept is crucial for understanding how a country seeks to project power, maintain security, and adapt to new global challenges, especially in relation to a country's ambitions on the world stage and the broader implications for international relations.
Multipolarity: Multipolarity refers to a global system where multiple nations or centers of power coexist and hold significant influence, as opposed to a unipolar or bipolar world dominated by one or two superpowers. This term is particularly relevant in discussions about the shifting dynamics of global power, especially with the rise of emerging economies and the increasing complexity of international relations.
Nine-dash line: The nine-dash line is a demarcation line used by China to outline its claims over a significant portion of the South China Sea, encompassing an area rich in natural resources and strategic maritime routes. This claim is represented by a series of dashes on maps and has been a source of intense regional tensions, involving disputes with neighboring countries and raising questions about international law and sovereignty.
Public diplomacy: Public diplomacy refers to the ways in which a country engages and communicates with foreign publics to influence their perceptions, promote its culture, values, and policies, and foster mutual understanding. This practice is crucial for nations seeking to enhance their global image and strengthen international relations, particularly as countries like China pursue ambitious global initiatives that shape the international order.
SCO: The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) is a political, economic, and security alliance founded in 2001, primarily comprising China, Russia, and several Central Asian countries. Its main goal is to foster cooperation in regional security, combat terrorism, and promote economic development among member states, reflecting China's growing influence in international affairs and its strategic partnerships.
Soft power: Soft power is the ability to influence others through attraction and persuasion rather than coercion or force. It involves the use of cultural appeal, diplomacy, and values to shape international perceptions and foster cooperation, making it a crucial tool in global relations.
South China Sea: The South China Sea is a crucial maritime region located in Southeast Asia, bordered by several countries including China, Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Brunei. This area is vital for international trade and is rich in natural resources such as oil and gas, which plays a significant role in China's global ambitions and its pursuit of influence over the international order.
Taiwan: Taiwan is an island located off the southeastern coast of China, which has a complex political status that has led to ongoing tensions between Taiwan and the People's Republic of China (PRC). After the Chinese Civil War, the Nationalist government retreated to Taiwan, establishing it as a separate political entity, while the PRC claimed it as part of its territory. This relationship is significant in understanding both the historical context of the Chinese Civil War and China's current global ambitions.
Trade disputes: Trade disputes are disagreements between countries or entities regarding trade policies, tariffs, regulations, or the interpretation of trade agreements. These conflicts can arise from perceived unfair practices, competition issues, or violations of international trade rules. In the context of global ambitions, such disputes can significantly influence international relations and economic stability.
US-China Relations: US-China relations refer to the diplomatic, economic, and cultural interactions between the United States and China, two of the world's most powerful nations. These relations are characterized by both cooperation and competition, significantly impacting global politics and economics. The complexities of this relationship play a crucial role in shaping China's global ambitions and have profound implications for the international order.
Wolf warrior diplomacy: Wolf warrior diplomacy refers to a more aggressive and assertive approach to international relations adopted by Chinese diplomats, characterized by confrontational rhetoric and a willingness to defend China's national interests fiercely. This diplomatic style reflects China's growing confidence on the global stage and its desire to challenge Western narratives while promoting its own perspective on international issues.