🇨🇳Contemporary Chinese Politics Unit 14 – China's Global Governance Role

Key Concepts and Definitions

• Global governance involves the collective management of common problems at the international level through cooperation among states, international organizations, and non-state actors
• Multilateralism refers to an alliance of multiple countries pursuing a common goal through cooperation and dialogue within international institutions and agreements
• Soft power is the ability to shape the preferences of others through appeal and attraction, often through cultural influence, political values, and foreign policies
• Hard power involves the use of military and economic means to influence the behavior or interests of other political bodies
  • Includes coercive tactics like military intervention, economic sanctions, and diplomatic pressure
• Multipolarity describes a distribution of power in which more than two nation-states have nearly equal amounts of military, cultural, and economic influence globally
• South-South cooperation refers to the technical cooperation among developing countries in the Global South, including the exchange of resources, technology, and knowledge to meet their development goals

Historical Context

• China's global governance role has evolved significantly since the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949
• During the Mao era (1949-1976), China was largely isolated from the international community and focused on self-reliance and anti-imperialism
• Following the economic reforms initiated by Deng Xiaoping in 1978, China gradually opened up to the world and began participating in international organizations
  • Joined the World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF) in 1980
  • Became a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO) in 2001
• China's rapid economic growth and increasing political influence since the 1990s have led to a more assertive role in global governance
• China has sought to shape the international order to better serve its interests and promote a "harmonious world" based on mutual respect and win-win cooperation

China's Rise on the Global Stage

• China's economic reforms and opening up policy have led to remarkable economic growth and development over the past four decades
  • Averaged annual GDP growth of around 10% from 1978 to 2010
  • Became the world's second-largest economy in 2010, surpassing Japan
• China's growing economic power has translated into increased political influence and a more prominent role in global affairs
• China has become a major contributor to UN peacekeeping operations, providing the largest number of troops among the permanent members of the UN Security Council
• China has also expanded its diplomatic relations and economic partnerships with countries across the globe, particularly in the developing world
  • Established the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in 2000 to strengthen ties with African countries
  • Launched the China-CELAC Forum in 2015 to engage with Latin American and Caribbean countries
• China's rise has challenged the dominance of Western powers and led to a more multipolar world order

Major International Organizations and China's Involvement

• United Nations (UN): China is one of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council and has increasingly used its veto power to assert its interests and block resolutions it opposes
• World Trade Organization (WTO): China's accession to the WTO in 2001 has significantly impacted global trade and led to increased economic integration with the world economy
• International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank: China has become the third-largest shareholder in both institutions and has pushed for reforms to give developing countries a greater voice
• Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB): China established the AIIB in 2016 to finance infrastructure projects in Asia and beyond, seen as an alternative to Western-led institutions like the World Bank
  • The AIIB has 103 approved members as of 2021
• New Development Bank (NDB): Also known as the BRICS Bank, the NDB was founded by Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa in 2014 to support infrastructure and sustainable development projects
• Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO): China is a founding member of the SCO, a Eurasian political, economic, and security alliance that promotes cooperation and stability in the region

China's Foreign Policy Objectives

• Safeguarding sovereignty and territorial integrity, particularly concerning Taiwan, Tibet, and the South China Sea
• Promoting economic development and securing access to resources and markets through trade, investment, and infrastructure projects
• Cultivating a stable and friendly international environment conducive to China's continued growth and development
• Enhancing China's global influence and shaping the international order to better serve its interests
  • Advocating for a more democratic and equitable global governance system that gives greater voice to developing countries
• Countering perceived threats to China's rise, such as the US "pivot to Asia" and the strengthening of alliances among China's neighbors
• Projecting a positive image of China as a responsible global power committed to peace, development, and win-win cooperation

Belt and Road Initiative

• The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is a massive infrastructure and investment project launched by China in 2013 to connect Asia, Europe, and Africa through land and maritime routes
• The BRI aims to promote economic cooperation, regional connectivity, and cultural exchange among participating countries
  • Involves the construction of roads, railways, ports, energy pipelines, and telecommunications networks
  • Also includes the establishment of economic corridors and industrial parks to facilitate trade and investment
• As of 2021, over 140 countries have signed cooperation agreements with China under the BRI framework
• The BRI is seen as a key tool for China to expand its economic and political influence globally, particularly in the developing world
• The initiative has faced criticism over concerns about debt sustainability, environmental impact, and lack of transparency
  • Some countries have struggled to repay loans associated with BRI projects, leading to accusations of "debt-trap diplomacy"
• Despite challenges, the BRI remains a central component of China's foreign policy and global governance strategy

Challenges and Criticisms

• China's growing assertiveness and pursuit of its national interests have led to tensions with other major powers, particularly the United States
  • Disputes over trade, technology, human rights, and geopolitical issues have strained US-China relations
• China's actions in the South China Sea, including the construction of artificial islands and military installations, have raised concerns about its territorial ambitions and potential for conflict
• China's human rights record, including the treatment of Uyghurs in Xinjiang and the crackdown on civil liberties in Hong Kong, has drawn international condemnation
• Critics argue that China's state-led economic model and lack of transparency create an uneven playing field and undermine fair competition
• China's increasing influence in international organizations has led to concerns about the erosion of democratic values and human rights norms
• The Belt and Road Initiative has faced criticism over its environmental impact, lack of transparency, and potential to create unsustainable debt burdens for participating countries

Future Outlook and Implications

• As China continues to rise, its role in global governance is expected to grow, shaping the international order in ways that reflect its interests and values
• China's increasing economic and political clout may lead to a more multipolar world order, with power distributed among several major players
• The US-China rivalry is likely to intensify, with competition over technology, trade, and geopolitical influence becoming more pronounced
  • The outcome of this rivalry will have significant implications for global stability and the future of international cooperation
• China's success in managing domestic challenges, such as economic inequality, environmental degradation, and political reform, will impact its ability to project power and influence globally
• The Belt and Road Initiative, if successful, could significantly reshape global trade and investment flows, with far-reaching geopolitical consequences
• The international community will need to find ways to engage with China constructively while also holding it accountable to international norms and standards
• The future of global governance will depend on the ability of major powers, including China, to cooperate on shared challenges such as climate change, pandemic response, and sustainable development