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2. Dealing with China: Lessons Learned from Three Case Studies
- Author:
- Christopher W. Bishop
- Publication Date:
- 09-2020
- Content Type:
- Working Paper
- Institution:
- Canadian Global Affairs Institute (CGAI)
- Abstract:
- The idea for this paper began after several conversations with Canadian friends and colleagues about the cases of Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor. On December 10, 2018, Chinese officials detained the two Canadian citizens for “endangering state security”, 10 days after Canadian authorities arrested Meng Wanzhou, Huawei’s chief financial officer, on an extradition warrant from the United States, where she was wanted for bank fraud. Despite Chinese statements denying any connection between the two Michaels and Meng, some Canadians have argued the only way to gain their release is for Canada to release Meng – a classic “prisoner exchange”. Others, however, have argued just as forcefully that trading Meng for the two Canadians would only give legitimacy to China’s “hostage diplomacy”. One friend asked me if China had ever done anything like this before. How had those cases been resolved, and what would China do this time? Those were good questions. As a U.S. Foreign Service officer who has spent much of my career working on China – including at the U.S. embassy in Beijing from 2015-2018, where I analyzed the Communist Party leadership and China’s state security apparatus – I had some insight into Chinese foreign policy. I also had a personal connection to one of the cases. I knew Michael Kovrig – he had been one of my counterparts at the Canadian embassy in Beijing – and I had great respect for his work as a diplomat, and later as a senior advisor at the International Crisis Group. Moreover, because I was now on leave from the U.S. Department of State to serve as a Council on Foreign Relations International Affairs Fellow in Canada, I had time to look for some answers. And so I began trying to identify and analyze similar cases from the recent past. This paper is the result. It represents my own views, and although the Department of State has allowed me to publish it in my personal capacity, it does not necessarily reflect the views of the Department or the U.S. government.
- Topic:
- Foreign Policy, Diplomacy, International Affairs, Prisons/Penal Systems, and Finance
- Political Geography:
- China, Canada, Asia, North America, and United States of America
3. Strategic autonomy for European choices: The key to Europe's shaping power
- Author:
- Giovanni Grevi
- Publication Date:
- 07-2019
- Content Type:
- Working Paper
- Institution:
- European Policy Centre (EPC)
- Abstract:
- Multi-level competition is on the rise in the international system and the standoff between the US and China risks becoming a defining feature of international affairs. However, the future is not predestined: the European Union (EU) will play a major role in the development of the international order, whether through its absence or its engagement. This Discussion Paper follows recent European Policy Centre publications and debates dedicated to revamping Europe’s approach to an increasingly challenging international context, which have delivered recommendations to: equip Europe with the tools to govern interdependence and mitigate confrontation; take a strong stance in defence of Europe while not endorsing a zero-sum interpretation of global affairs; turn the EU into a global shaping power by pursuing a ‘rules-first’ strategy; and frame Europe’s strategic autonomy in comprehensive terms, including the economic, technological and security and defence dimensions.
- Topic:
- Foreign Policy, International Affairs, European Union, and Strategic Autonomy
- Political Geography:
- China, Europe, and United States of America
4. China’s new policy on the European Union: A toughening line on political issues
- Author:
- Jyrki Kallio
- Publication Date:
- 01-2019
- Content Type:
- Working Paper
- Institution:
- Finnish Institute of International Affairs
- Abstract:
- China’s recent policy paper on the European Union shows that the country continues to recognize the EU as an important partner in many fields. A new, distressing element is that China has toughened its demands towards the EU to respect its core interests and to refrain from meddling in its internal affairs.
- Topic:
- Globalization, International Affairs, European Union, and Conflict
- Political Geography:
- China, Europe, and Asia
5. China should address downward pressure in 2018
- Author:
- Qiyuan Xu
- Publication Date:
- 01-2018
- Content Type:
- Working Paper
- Abstract:
- In 2017, the Chinese economy rebounded more significantly than expected. There is now general anticipation that growth in 2018 will fall slightly compared with that of 2017, but that it will remain stable at 6.5 percent or above. However, there are some factors that could lead to downward pressure on investment and consumption in 2018
- Topic:
- International Political Economy and International Affairs
- Political Geography:
- China
6. From Deng to Xi: Economic Reform, the Silk Road, and the Return of the Middle Kingdom
- Author:
- LSE Ideas
- Publication Date:
- 01-2018
- Content Type:
- Working Paper
- Institution:
- LSE IDEAS
- Abstract:
- This LSE IDEAS Special Report - with senior contributors from politics, journalism, and academia - looks at the internal causes and consequences of the return of the 'Middle Kingdom'. It explores the extent to which Deng's momentous economic reforms in 1978 have shaped modern China, what the country's expanded international role under Xi means, and who really makes Chinese foreign policy.
- Topic:
- International Affairs and Global Political Economy
- Political Geography:
- China
7. The Impact of Chinese National Identity on Sino-ASEAN Relations
- Author:
- Danielle Cohen
- Publication Date:
- 08-2017
- Content Type:
- Working Paper
- Institution:
- Korea Economic Institute of America (KEI)
- Abstract:
- China and ASEAN possess tremendous opportunities for economic cooperation, but also face significant security challenges, particularly regarding the South China Sea. In both domains, China’s national identity has greatly influenced the trajectory of the bilateral relationship. China’s ASEAN policy is characterized by a desire to recreate the Sinocentric structures of the tributary system, a belief in the historical legitimacy of China’s maritime and territorial claims, a vision of China as a global economic powerhouse, and a sense that China has already “peacefully risen” and can more actively assert itself to reap the rewards.
- Topic:
- International Relations and International Affairs
- Political Geography:
- China
8. Iran–China Cooperation in the Silk Road Economic Belt: From Strategic Understanding to Operational Understanding
- Author:
- Mohsen Shariatinia and Hamidreza Azizi
- Publication Date:
- 11-2017
- Content Type:
- Working Paper
- Abstract:
- Iran served as a bridge in the ancient Silk Road, connecting the East and the West. It also has great potential to play an important role in the new Silk Road. The present study analyzes the factors affecting Iran–China cooperation in the context of the Belt and Road Initiative at the strategic and operational levels. This article shows that, at the strategic level, Iran defines this project as an opportunity to improve its status in the world economy, expanding its room to manoeuvre in the international arena and developing its ties with China, a rising great power. At the operational level, the opportunities and challenges for Iran–China cooperation could be summarized as pertaining to five realms within the Silk Road Economic Belt Initiative: policy coordination, facilitation of connectivity, unimpeded trade, financial integration and people-to-people bonds. The present study asserts that the main opportunity for cooperation between the two countries lies in facilitating connectivity and that the key challenge is financial integration.
- Topic:
- International Political Economy and International Affairs
- Political Geography:
- China and Iran
9. China’s Engagement with the Sixteen Countries of Central, East and Southeast Europe under the Belt and Road Initiative
- Author:
- Anastas Vangeli
- Publication Date:
- 10-2017
- Content Type:
- Working Paper
- Abstract:
- This paper provides an overview of China’s burgeoning relationship with Central, East and Southeast Europe (CESEE) in the context of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). China has rapidly expanded the extent of its interactions with CESEE since 2012, and this region has subsequently become one of the focal points of the BRI. The key feature of China’s engagement with CESEE is the devising of an experimental and innovative approach, demonstrated in the establishment of an institutional mechanism for cooperation with a particular group of 16 CESEE countries (16+1). The case of China–CESEE relations offers an insight into how, in the era of the BRI, China is complementing its economic approach with institution-building and policy coordination. The article concludes that as the BRI progresses, these tendencies will remain central to China’s relations with CESEE
- Topic:
- International Affairs
- Political Geography:
- China
10. The dissemination of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence
- Author:
- YUAN Zhengqing and SONG Xiaoqin
- Publication Date:
- 10-2017
- Content Type:
- Working Paper
- Abstract:
- The study of international norms is an important topic in the international politics. Western theories tend to emphasize the top-down instruction at the international level and learning at the state level, and empirical studies focus on the dissemination of Western norms to the rest of the world. Consequently, the role of non-Western countries is neglected in the process of norm dissemination. The dissemination of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence offers an excellent opportunity to examine the behaviors of non-Western countries. The Five Principles proposed by China was neither imposed forcibly upon other countries nor intended to educate others in a condescending manner with a so-called “civilized” standard. Instead, the Five Principles started to disseminate in the process of equal interactions with the neighboring countries with similar experiences in history. Gradually, it embedded itself into more international meetings and treaties through establishing diplomatic relations, convening international meetings, participating in international organizations and offering foreign aid and expanded from ideologically similar countries into ideologically divergent ones.
- Topic:
- International Affairs
- Political Geography:
- China
11. China and the Remolding of International Human Rights Norms
- Author:
- YUAN Zhengqing, Li Zhiyong, and Zhufu Xiaofei
- Publication Date:
- 07-2017
- Content Type:
- Working Paper
- Abstract:
- The life cycle of international norms is not actually a process of emergence, diffusion and internalization. As is shown by the logic of argumentation and the relational logic of processoriented constructivism, the development of international norms may take another approach, one of origination, diffusion and remolding. Through dialogues on norms, discourse critique, self-remolding and other means, China has enriched the practice of remolding international human rights norms with a human rights theory centered on the right to survive and develop, thereby providing a new approach and new angle of vision that allows non-Western countries to break away from the monist approach of norm development.
- Topic:
- Human Rights and International Affairs
- Political Geography:
- China
12. After the TPP: What’s Next for Canada in Asia?
- Author:
- Hugh Stephens
- Publication Date:
- 04-2017
- Content Type:
- Working Paper
- Institution:
- Canadian Global Affairs Institute (CGAI)
- Abstract:
- The Trump administration’s arrival has scrambled the cards in the trade policy world. Not only will the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) be reopened with uncertain results, but President Donald Trump has scuttled the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) by announcing the United States’ withdrawal from the agreement. Canada, originally cool toward the TPP, pushed hard to be included in it. The TPP became the centrepiece of Canada’s Asia trade strategy, notwithstanding some public ambivalence on the part of the Trudeau government. With the TPP in its present form now in limbo, Canada still has options in Asia. First, it can keep an open mind with regard to the possible reconstitution of the TPP in another form, such as “TPP Minus One” (i.e., minus the U.S.). It should also push to reopen the bilateral negotiations with Japan that were suspended when that country joined the TPP negotiations. Canada is already exploring the possibility of an economic partnership agreement with China, perhaps on a sectoral basis, and simultaneously, it should actively pursue negotiation of a free trade agreement with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) community. This could in time provide Canada access to the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (RCEP) currently being negotiated among 16 countries in the Asia-Pacific region and would position Canada well in the eventuality that a Free Trade Area of Asia-Pacific (FTAAP) emerges. In the meantime, uncertainty regarding NAFTA’s future needs to be addressed. This uncertainty makes it more difficult for Canada to attract Asian investment but it also provides further impetus for Canada to diversify its trading relationships and to explore stronger relationships with Asian economies.
- Topic:
- International Affairs, NAFTA, Trans-Pacific Partnership, and Trade
- Political Geography:
- China, Canada, Asia, United States of America, and North America
13. Taiwan, Submarines, and Competitive Strategies for U.S.-China Competition
- Author:
- Henry Holst
- Publication Date:
- 01-2017
- Content Type:
- Working Paper
- Institution:
- Project 2049 Institute
- Abstract:
- Taiwan’s Indigenous Defense Submarine (IDS) program has spurred a small but fierce debate over the merits of Taiwan’s submarine aspirations. This study argues that the discussion surrounding Taiwan’s IDS program fails to consider the potential long-run strategic benefits for the United States. Taiwan’s IDS program could spur greater PLA budgetary allocation in an area of favorable U.S.-China technological asymmetry: anti-submarine warfare (ASW). Given the high probability of greater PLA investment in high-end war fighting capabilities, larger PLA spending on ASW is comparatively less threatening to U.S. regional interests than other capabilities within high-technology confines. This study concludes by recommending a reevaluation of the long-run strategic merits of assisting Taiwan’s pursuit of a submarine program.
- Topic:
- International Affairs
- Political Geography:
- China
14. A primary exploration on cyber security governance in Africa
- Author:
- XIAO Yingying and YUAN Zhengqing
- Publication Date:
- 07-2016
- Content Type:
- Working Paper
- Abstract:
- The internet history in Africa is short, but this new technology is spreading fast on the continent. Along with this, cybercrime in Africa is becoming increasingly rampant, while the relevant legal institutions and law enforcement capacity are lagging behind, with public and private cyber security awareness being relatively weak. In recent years, African countries start accelerating the design of institutional framework concerning cyber security governance. Besides e-transaction and cybercrime, personal data protection is also part of Africa’s cyber security governance, which is the result of the “impartment“ from Western developed countries and the active advocacy from NGOs. Whether at the national level, sub-regional organization level, the African Union level or NGO level, those Western developed countries and western-dominated international organizations have played a role in the institutional design of African cyber security governance, some of which referred to or even copied the original designs of the Western countries. This may lead to the African continent being “recolonized” in cyberspace, with no autonomous decision-making power in global cyber security governance. Besides, from design to implementation, African countries still have a long way to go, and whether the institutions based on the western experience are suitable for the culture and ideas of the African countries, remains to be tested with practice.
- Topic:
- International Relations and International Affairs
- Political Geography:
- Africa and China
15. China’s investment in influence: the future of 16+1 cooperation
- Author:
- Angela Stanzel, Agatha Kratz, Justyna Szczudlik, and Dragan Pavlićević
- Publication Date:
- 12-2016
- Content Type:
- Working Paper
- Institution:
- European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR)
- Abstract:
- China faced hard times in 2016 – at least when it comes to promoting its investment in Europe. The European Union is one of its most important economic and trading partners and the final destination of China’s flagship initiative, the New Silk Road. However, some EU member states have recently become increasingly critical of China’s push for more investment in Europe. Beijing has invested significant effort in building a new entry point into Europe through the central and eastern European (CEE) countries – in particular, through the 16+1 framework. As reflected in Agatha Kratz’s article in this edition of China Analysis, the CEE region is attractive to China thanks to its strategic geographical position for the New Silk Road project, its high-skilled yet cheap labour, and its open trade and investment environment.
- Topic:
- International Political Economy and International Affairs
- Political Geography:
- China
16. China in Latin America: Repercussions for Spain
- Author:
- Mario Esteban
- Publication Date:
- 10-2015
- Content Type:
- Working Paper
- Institution:
- Elcano Royal Institute
- Abstract:
- Relations between China and Latin America are complex, strengthening, notably asymmetrical and fundamentally economic. Ties have intensified rapidly in recent years, to the extent of shaping the evolution of countries in the region and their processes of regional integration. Spain cannot afford to remain indifferent to this phenomenon, given its close links to this part of the world. The strengthening of ties between China and Latin America has a double-edged impact on Spanish interests. On the one hand, the headway that China is making in the region translates into a loss of Spanish influence and attraction in one of the traditional spheres for Spain’s foreign policy. On the other hand, the greater presence of China can contribute to the development of the region and is generating opportunities for cooperation and synergies with Spanish players, both public and private, on multiple stages.
- Topic:
- International Affairs and Geopolitics
- Political Geography:
- China, Latin America, and Spain
17. U.S. Students in China: Meeting the Goals of the 100,000 Strong Initiative
- Author:
- Raisa Belyavina
- Publication Date:
- 01-2013
- Content Type:
- Working Paper
- Institution:
- Institute of International Education (IIE)
- Abstract:
- The 100,000 Strong Initiative, announced in November 2009 by President Obama, aims to increase to 100,000 the cumulative number of Americans studying in China over a four - year period. While the number of American students studying abroad for credit in Chin a has increased nearly fivefold in the last decade, the types of educational experiences undertaken by American students going abroad have changed as well. More than ever before, American students are going abroad on shorter, not - for - credit programs such a s study tours, internships, and volunteering abroad. The 100,000 Strong Initiative encourages all types of educational experiences for students in U.S. high schools, colleges, and universities.
- Topic:
- Education, Foreign Exchange, International Cooperation, and International Affairs
- Political Geography:
- United States, China, America, and Israel
18. China Reinterprets the Liberal Peace
- Author:
- Silvia Menegazzi
- Publication Date:
- 12-2012
- Content Type:
- Working Paper
- Institution:
- Istituto Affari Internazionali
- Abstract:
- China's assertiveness is growing. While in the past China's foreign policy kept a low profile in international affairs, global developments, prime amongst which in the Middle East, highlight China's growing influence in world politics and its ensuing role in shaping global norms. Within the liberal peace discourse, China's reinterpretation of international norms can be seen as the result of a mixture of prior local norms - sovereignty and non-interference - and changes within the international environment - namely conflicts in North Africa and the Middle East. Particularly, in terms of intervention and peace-building practices, China insists that a number of preconditions - which are encapsulated in the notion of Responsible Protection (RP) - have to be met in order to consider intervention in sovereign states. This paper argues that in order to achieve a full picture of Chinese foreign policy and its normative underpinnings, it is necessary to explore the debate within non-state actors beyond the government apparatus, such as think tanks and research institutions.
- Topic:
- Foreign Policy, Emerging Markets, International Affairs, and Foreign Direct Investment
- Political Geography:
- China, Middle East, Libya, North Africa, and Syria
19. Bahrain and the global balance of power after the Arab Spring
- Author:
- Lars Erslev Andersen
- Publication Date:
- 06-2012
- Content Type:
- Working Paper
- Institution:
- Danish Institute for International Studies (DIIS)
- Abstract:
- The global balance of power is changing, and the role of the US as the only superpower is being challenged by emerging new powers and a still more powerful China. Nowhere is this more apparent than in the Persian Gulf. This Working Paper by DIIS researcher Lars Erslev Andersen argues that if we are fully to understand the developments in the Persian Gulf we need to analyze the Persian Gulf as a regional security complex in its own right. The argument is developed empirically with reference to the case of Bahrain.
- Topic:
- Foreign Policy, International Trade and Finance, International Affairs, and Power Politics
- Political Geography:
- United States, China, Middle East, Arabia, and Bahrain
20. Conflict Prevention in Southeast Asia and the South Pacific
- Author:
- Elsina Wainwright
- Publication Date:
- 04-2010
- Content Type:
- Working Paper
- Institution:
- Center on International Cooperation
- Abstract:
- The Asia Pacific has experienced thirty years without interstate conflict, but a number of long-running, low-level internal conflicts continue in Southeast Asia, and several South Pacific states have recent experience of instability. Tensions also remain at the inter-state level, and shifting power dynamics between the US, China, and other Asian states have the potential to foster regional instability. In addition, a raft of transnational threats, such as resource scarcity and climate change, are creating new uncertainty.
- Topic:
- Conflict Prevention, Political Violence, International Cooperation, Regional Cooperation, and International Affairs
- Political Geography:
- United States, China, Australia/Pacific, and Southeast Asia