China and the international order

[TaiShang]

China and the international order
Updated: 2017-03-09

By Xu Qinduo

As the new US administration shifts its attention to domestic issues by following the principle of America First, there's been growing expectation on China to play a bigger role in areas ranging from climate change to globalization.

At the same time, the question is: Is China ready and willing to assume a global leadership role?

Global Leadership Role?

We may discern some clues from the latest briefing to the media by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on the sidelines of the ongoing "Two Sessions" – the annual political meetings of the top legislature and political advisory bodies in Beijing.

Mr. Wang lowered the expectation of China playing a leadership role, in particular, to displace the United States, which stresses more on unilateral interests in dealing with other nations. He presented a different understanding from Chinese perspective that "rather than talking about leadership, we should really be talking about responsibility."

He then explained where the Chinese thinking originates from. "China believes in the equality of all countries, large and small, and we don't believe some countries should lead others."

If that's the case, which country or organization should the international community turn to on major issues or in time of crisis?

For China, that role should be played by the United Nations. The UN is the most authoritative and credible intergovernmental organization and should effectively play its role of coordinating international affairs according to the purposes and principles of its charter, said the Chinese Foreign Minister.

The key message from China on its possible leadership role? Well, for Beijing, the authority of the UN needs to be further enhanced instead of seeking leadership from an individual country. One note here, China contributes the largest number of contingents to the UN peace-keeping missions.

That's surely a point worth pondering. Just think of the US invasion into Iraq in 2003 without UN authorization and under the excuse of fake evidence. In the absence of adequate deliberation in the UN among the major players, two much damage a so-called leadership could cause to international rules as well as to innocent people!

But that doesn't mean China is shirking its responsibility as the largest trading nation and the second largest economy in the world. If there's anything we can draw from Mr. Wang's remarks, China is on the contrary to shoulder a tremendous responsibility in possible areas such as climate change, free trade and globalization.

Philosophy behind China's Policy Making

Since President Xi took office five years ago, he has put forward a series of new ideas and thoughts. For example, confrontation should be replaced with dialogues, alliance with partnership, building a new type of international relationships featuring win-win cooperation, and jointly building a community of shared future for all of mankind.

Foreign Minister Wang Yi said these new ideas "reject the old concepts of alliance and confrontation, rise above the old approach of zero-sum games and have distinct Chinese characteristics and major implications for the world."

If you have a closer look at the track record of China dealing with other countries, it actually reflects those ideas in a rather thorough way.

-Despite all the disputes and tensions over South China Sea, China and regional neighbors such as the Philippines, Malaysia and Vietnam, have reached an understanding and decided to resolve the disputes through dialogues while striving to have more trade and investment. The Chinese practice presents a sharp contrast to the growing military presence in the region from the US. Which approach is laudable? The answer can't be clearer.

-While Washington is talking about a "great, great wall" along the borders with Mexico, China is building One Belt One Road to connect not only countries along the silk or maritime roads but also countries that's willing to join.

-China is investing in clean energy to reduce greenhouse emissions. The US is abandoning the Paris Climate Change agreement.

Another important trait of Chinese foreign policy is its consistency. China emphasizes independence and peace in conducting foreign affairs. It has been long promoting trade and multilateralism.

"In the face of skepticism over the existing international order and system, we have always called for maintaining it, and where necessary, improving it," said Mr. Wang. Furthermore, he noted, China has championed multilateralism, openness and inclusiveness, amid a growing backlash against globalization and rising protectionism.

Frankly speaking, the consistency and continuity of China's diplomacy offers much solace in today's world of uncertainty and turmoil – the unfinished business of Brexit, the unknown policies of President Donald Trump, the unclear future of European Union and so on.

Back to the Chinese vision, even the most cynical will probably agree with Chinese analysis on the looming crisis in the Korean Peninsula – North Korea and US-S. Korea are like two accelerating trains coming to each other head-on.

Mr. Wang said "the priority is to flash the red light and apply the brakes" and China is willing to be a "railway switchman" to switch the issue back to the right track.

Neither Pyongyang nor Seoul will benefit from the train collision. China and the US will lose, too, one way or another.

The wisdom of peace and stability sounds trite and is mostly cliché. But they're also the ultimate truth about this imperfect world we live in.

@Chinese-Dragon @Sinopakfriend

 

[Chinese-Dragon]

Totally agree.

All this talk of needing a "global leader/hegemon" is a bunch of egotistic BS. It doesn't make sense, why should any one country be the "world leader"?

If Trumpet's America doesn't want the job, then let the UN take their place. It certainly can't be any worse than Kim Jong-Un's... I mean Trump's finger on the nuclear button. In fact Kim Jong-Un is probably less crazy than Trump, and that's saying something.

 

[Stag112]

. "China believes in the equality of all countries, large and small, and we don't believe some countries should lead others."

Hogwash. It was ironical the OP chose to highlight this in red color, reminds one of that red dotted line in SCS. Equality my foot. China believes in might is right just the same as the US. It's just that the US will articulate their case better. Chinese just make stuff up like it's internal propaganda.

 

[Chinese-Dragon]

It's just that the US will articulate their case better.

Obviously an Indian would think that the USA articulates their case better, because India sold their sovereignty to them.

However ask the rest of the world, even including their European allies, how they think Trump articulates the American case better?

 

[Stag112]

Obviously an Indian would think that the USA articulates their case better, because India sold their sovereignty to them.

However ask the rest of the world, even including their European allies, how they think Trump articulates the American case better?

Usual gibberish and personal / racist attack from a "think tank".

You are not worth my time. But just to humor your hurt feelings - China draws a red dotted line in SCS while preaching equality but America makes a better show of "freedom of navigation". Both are about power. It's just the Chinese appear like bullies because they don't bother to make a better case. Just uttering meaningless words must mean something though, going by your low quality reply to a reasonable post.

Now pls talk more rubbish about Modi and trump and how China is kind to smaller neighbors. Don't expect a reply though.

 

[Chinese-Dragon]

Usual gibberish and personal / racist attack from a "think tank".

You are not worth my time. But just to humor your hurt feelings - China draws a red dotted line in SCS while preaching equality but America makes a better show of "freedom of navigation". Both are about power. It's just the Chinese appear like bullies because they don't bother to make a better case. Just uttering meaningless words must mean something though, going by your low quality reply to a reasonable post.

Now pls talk more rubbish about Modi and trump and how China is kind to smaller neighbors. Don't expect a reply though.

Yes, we appear to be bullies to India.

But why don't you ask someone outside India, who is worse, Xi Jinping or Trump?

Let's be honest, if you had not sold your sovereignty to America you would agree with them too.

But now you are forced to be cheerleaders for Trump's America even as his hate-mongering has led to the shooting deaths of multiple Indian Americans in the past few weeks alone. Tell me how many Indians have been shot to death in China in the past few weeks?

 

[TaiShang]

Totally agree.

All this talk of needing a "global leader/hegemon" is a bunch of egotistic BS. It doesn't make sense, why should any one country be the "world leader"?

If Trumpet's America doesn't want the job, then let the UN take their place. It certainly can't be any worse than Kim Jong-Un's... I mean Trump's finger on the nuclear button. In fact Kim Jong-Un is probably less crazy than Trump, and that's saying something.

Taking away powers from the UN in the wake of the Second Gulf War resulted in a regional catastrophy. This shows how important it is to seek UN consensus on global matters, especially matters of war or sanctions. Such offensive/aggressive decisions cannot be explained under "leadership" guise.

China is very pragmatic not to seek leadership but equal, sovereign participation. This will save a lot of headache and unnecessary loss of life/wealth. Wars/sanctions enrich power elite but impoverish the regular folks, even in the US.

Even for a just cause, there is no need to play the singular hero. There is always a paypack for unilateral action.

Obviously an Indian would think that the USA articulates their case better, because India sold their sovereignty to them.

However ask the rest of the world, even including their European allies, how they think Trump articulates the American case better?

Indians like character/caricature worship. They started with Modi and continued with Trump, as if pink-eyed dreamy placards would mean anything. That explains their perennial quest for a title as a super-power. Who knows, India may fill the void the US is emptying.

That would be such a sight to watch.

 

[rcrmj]

Usual gibberish and personal / racist attack from a "think tank".

You are not worth my time. But just to humor your hurt feelings - China draws a red dotted line in SCS while preaching equality but America makes a better show of "freedom of navigation". Both are about power. It's just the Chinese appear like bullies because they don't bother to make a better case. Just uttering meaningless words must mean something though, going by your low quality reply to a reasonable post.

Now pls talk more rubbish about Modi and trump and how China is kind to smaller neighbors. Don't expect a reply though.

we bring prosperity, business opportunities, technologies, big projects to neighbours```and what does primitive factor driven India bring to their neighbours? think about it seriously if you have a brain of commons

 

[Mangus Ortus Novem]

@TaiShang , my dear friend,

I am glad that China has stuck to its Principle based policy, when the trap is set for China to fall in under these empty words of leadership. Leadership of what?

If history is any reference, we shall clearly be able to validate that the current / mordern policy of PRC is just an extension of the Confusian Thought and Morality.

As we have discussed before many a time, China wants to create a Community of Prosperity.

Why would China need to do such a thing, some might ask.

Simple: Buy creating an environment of peace and progress China can do justice to her own people and bring them prosperity that they deserve. Win-Win.

As we are seeing the old world power structure of last 600 years closing this old chapter, China doesn't wish to replace it with another of the same template.

Rather China is trying very hard to improve upon it- to make it more inclusive and fair to all i.e. developed, developing and under-developed. Win-Win.

Herein, in these policies and initatives (OBOR) and the Chinese led banks, we can clearly see the morality and principles that guide China's conduct. Win-Win.


A cirumference is but a reflection of the Centre. All (common people) are the centre of the Universe, the Sage has Universe at his Centre.


This a rather good thread, I believe you shall keep it running like the other valuable threads that you are keep updated. Allow me to thank you for your kind efforts.

@ahojunk @Shotgunner51 dear mods, kindly, keep this valuable thread infestation free if possilbe. Thanks!

Regards,

SPF

 

[jhungary]

People who studied International Politics would have understand the meaning of "Sovereignty Equality" indeed NEVER EXIST...

People preaching for National equaity have to ask themselves a question first. How would you make every country equal? A smart reader would have known there are only 2 ways to achieve that.

1.) By self recongnition, when each and every country think and act like they are equal, then the equilibrium will hold.

2.) By strong arming into an equality. By which one superpower strong entity have to come out and make all other country fall in line, and then making itself fall into the same line.

For number 1.) THis would mean the world to abandon boundry and difference and started to work it way up to sovereignty equialibrium. Can this ever happen? There are always conflict and there are always conflict resolution in need, no two different group of people can ever be living together in harmony, if you think about any country can achieve that, you are probably dreaming, and for this case, ALL of the country in the world have to be the same, which by the definition itself, the word "Country" no longer exist as Country and Boundry set differences, which work against unity, and in this paradox, if the concept of country can no longer exsit, then where can we find sovereignty equality?

For number 2.) That is a more logical way (yet still illogical) for the world to have National Equality. However, if we are already living in a unipolar world (ie with only one superpower) the difference is there when the second strongest power have to come to the challenge and dethrone the original superpower, thus, initiating sovereingty equality, however, think about it, how would number 2 challenge number 1? For that to happen, number 2 have to defeat or exert their power over all other nation beside Number 1. That in itself is a direct contradiction of term for a country to try to bring national equality by force.

Hence sovereignty equality is nothing but a pipe dream, and it could only happen when there are a natural diaster so great that there are not enough people to form more than 1 country, but then you will still have to contentwith depotism.

 

[TaiShang]

@TaiShang , my dear friend,

I am glad that China has stuck to its Principle based policy, when the trap is set for China to fall in under these empty words of leadership. Leadership of what?

If history is any reference, we shall clearly be able to validate that the current / mordern policy of PRC is just an extension of the Confusian Thought and Morality.

As we have discussed before many a time, China wants to create a Community of Prosperity.

Why would China need to do such a thing, some might ask.

Simple: Buy creating an environment of peace and progress China can do justice to her own people and bring them prosperity that they deserve. Win-Win.

As we are seeing the old world power structure of last 600 years closing this old chapter, China doesn't wish to replace it with another of the same template.

Rather China is trying very hard to improve upon it- to make it more inclusive and fair to all i.e. developed, developing and under-developed. Win-Win.

Herein, in these policies and initatives (OBOR) and the Chinese led banks, we can clearly see the morality and principles that guide China's conduct. Win-Win.


A cirumference is but a reflection of the Centre. All (common people) are the centre of the Universe, the Sage has Universe at his Centre.


This a rather good thread, I believe you shall keep it running like the other valuable threads that you are keep updated. Allow me to thank you for your kind efforts.

@ahojunk @Shotgunner51 dear mods, kindly, keep this valuable thread infestation free if possilbe. Thanks!

Regards,

SPF

Sharp, incisive points, @Sinopakfriend , my friend.

I also believe that the premise of leadership has been more of a trap than a title. What we need for a better international condition is sovereign equality of all state units regardless of their size and scope and a complete safety against aggression.

Regionalism is a better political tool than globalism while globalism serves well for economic connectivity. I can accept East Asia's leadership rather than China's leadership because the Asian Way has proven its worth despite numerous challenges in the past and at present. Of course, the Confucian war-retarding culture has played primary role in this, in addition to a lack of Dutch Disease situation due to East Asia's relatively poorer energy endowment.

We need to stick to our region-based political tranquility and economic connectivity. Sub-region to sub-region; region to region; and region to the world. If the OBOR is closely examined, we can definitely see this region-based approach. This, I think, is not accidental. There is historical wisdom in China's international relations.

 

[Mangus Ortus Novem]

Sharp, incisive points, @Sinopakfriend , my friend.

I also believe that the premise of leadership has been more of a trap than a title. What we need for a better international condition is sovereign equality of all state units regardless of their size and scope and a complete safety against aggression.

Regionalism is a better political tool than globalism while globalism serves well for economic connectivity. I can accept East Asia's leadership rather than China's leadership because the Asian Way has proven its worth despite numerous challenges in the past and at present. Of course, the Confucian war-retarding culture has played primary role in this, in addition to a lack of Dutch Disease situation due to East Asia's relatively poorer energy endowment.

We need to stick to our region-based political tranquility and economic connectivity. Sub-region to sub-region; region to region; and region to the world. If the OBOR is closely examined, we can definitely see this region-based approach. This, I think, is not accidental. There is historical wisdom in China's international relations.

Tai Shang, my friend,

What I find extremely interesting apart from OBOR, is the FinTech and other internet related innovations coming out of PRC.

Also, the cycle of innovation-to-market is getting shorter as well. Global market for such products and services...


If you recall one of the most powerful call for inclusive change was made by Pres. Xi when he called for a new financial order. Subtle yet very clear view of PRC.

China has been trying since joining UN to strengthen its foundations and instituitions. This course of action will continue.

Your proposition of sub-regional to regional to global is very solid and correct way forward.

However, in order for such a 'system' to work we would need not only OBOR infrastructure and investments but also a new global framework that is balanced, sustainable and inclusive.

E.g. China and by default Russia want to expand the BRICS to BRICS Plus. Although, as I have stated before, BRICS is dead due to Brazillian coup, indians joining the old order and South Africa...well you know.

This BRICS Plus is the place to watch in terms of emerging G20 counterweight.

Regardless how new things expand and old structures contract, China will always act with caution and foresight.

However, it is the nature of things that the one who is used to getting things his way for long time finds it difficult to let go and allow others the space they deserve.

I still fear that conflict might be imposed upon China and/or China's Friends. Troublemakers never go away on their own accord.

Dialectic Acceleration happening on both sides now...only the wisest will pervail without doing actual battle.

This Game of Go started long ago... board is getting filled with each new piece..

 

[TaiShang]

However, in order for such a 'system' to work we would need not only OBOR infrastructure and investments but also a new global framework that is balanced, sustainable and inclusive.

E.g. China and by default Russia want to expand the BRICS to BRICS Plus. Although, as I have stated before, BRICS is dead due to Brazillian coup, indians joining the old order and South Africa...well you know.

This BRICS Plus is the place to watch in terms of emerging G20 counterweight.

Interesting, my friend, how things are running in their normal course in the long run. The developments regarding the TPP are enlightening. Please take a look:

***

Beijing won’t turn international trade into geopolitical game
Source: Global Times Published: 2017/3/13

Chile will hold a high-level meeting this week about trans-Pacific economic cooperation and China has expressed that it is actively considering attending this gathering. Since Chile is a member of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) trade pact, like most of the other participants in the upcoming conference, the event is widely considered as a TPP member states' meeting. Under the circumstances, China's attendance is interpreted as a signal that Beijing intends to join the deal.

According to information the Global Times has received, the meeting will not purely focus on the TPP, but has a wide range of topics, including the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and the Free Trade Area of the Asia Pacific (FTAAP). Apart from China, other non-TPP member states such as South Korea and Colombia will also attend.

After the withdrawal of the US, the question over whether China will join the trade deal and play a leadership role in the group is of concern to many. But this question is too simple.

The TPP was considered as an economic tool by former US president Barack Obama's government in its rebalance to the Asia-Pacific strategy. Therefore, geopolitical factors can be found in the deal. China will never remold it, turning the spearhead of the tool against Washington. Beijing has neither the power nor the interest to do so.

When the deal was dominated by the US, it contained some factors which are specifically against China. How many of those factors are there and if there will be any changes to them under the new circumstances will need careful study. For the moment, TPP members have differing attitudes over whether to maintain the deal without Washington and whether to invite China to the group. Therefore, the conditions are not ripe for Beijing to apply or make the decision whether to join the TPP.

China is keen to promote free and fair trade while opposing turning international trade into a geopolitical game. As long as Beijing holds on to that, most of the economies in the globe will form solid free trade ties with China in different ways. Regional economic organizations will also find it hard to exclude Beijing, because China's trade volume is simply too big.

Washington's protectionism will be bound to shock the global trade system. No country in the world can now raise the banner against it and win widespread support. Even if there have been constant appeals calling on China to be the standard-bearer, it is believed that China won't do it.

However, China can support free trade without aiming at, edging out or fighting against any one.

Obama chose a winding course of politicizing trade. His successor Donald Trump denied him, but he seems to have politicized trade in another way. However, free trade is a realistic demand of today's world.

The future life or death of the TPP and whether China will join will be determined by the common interests of each country.

***

There is some undercurrent, which, as you point out, despite the trouble-maker's destructive interventions and wedging hatred between neighbors, runs into a certain direction. What you have mentioned regarding fintech and sharing economy can indeed be applied in a larger scale into such trade frameworks to de-weaponize them and ensure a certain level of win-win relationship.

Today it was in the news that China surpassed the US and became Germany's largest trade partner. The acceleration that you point out is indeed visible to the sharp eye, and I guess, it will reach some climax by the end of this decade.

How a stark difference from the triumphant 1990s in which Western (or Westernized) academia declared that history was now almost frozen.

 

[EndangeredSpecies]

People who studied International Politics would have understand the meaning of "Sovereignty Equality" indeed NEVER EXIST...

People preaching for National equaity have to ask themselves a question first. How would you make every country equal? A smart reader would have known there are only 2 ways to achieve that.

1.) By self recongnition, when each and every country think and act like they are equal, then the equilibrium will hold.

2.) By strong arming into an equality. By which one superpower strong entity have to come out and make all other country fall in line, and then making itself fall into the same line.

For number 1.) THis would mean the world to abandon boundry and difference and started to work it way up to sovereignty equialibrium. Can this ever happen? There are always conflict and there are always conflict resolution in need, no two different group of people can ever be living together in harmony, if you think about any country can achieve that, you are probably dreaming, and for this case, ALL of the country in the world have to be the same, which by the definition itself, the word "Country" no longer exist as Country and Boundry set differences, which work against unity, and in this paradox, if the concept of country can no longer exsit, then where can we find sovereignty equality?

For number 2.) That is a more logical way (yet still illogical) for the world to have National Equality. However, if we are already living in a unipolar world (ie with only one superpower) the difference is there when the second strongest power have to come to the challenge and dethrone the original superpower, thus, initiating sovereingty equality, however, think about it, how would number 2 challenge number 1? For that to happen, number 2 have to defeat or exert their power over all other nation beside Number 1. That in itself is a direct contradiction of term for a country to try to bring national equality by force.

Hence sovereignty equality is nothing but a pipe dream, and it could only happen when there are a natural diaster so great that there are not enough people to form more than 1 country, but then you will still have to contentwith depotism.

All of us know that these are more of a bunch of talking points and nothing else. Real equality is a pipe dream. How can Somalia be equal to say switzerland. Will countries allow visa free travel from Somalia because they allow the same for switzerland? I doubt. Will world bank give loans at the interest rate same for Somalia as they give to USA? I doubt.
And perhaps the most pertinent question to this forum. Will the world treat Palestinians same as Isralites? I doubt again.

 

[TaiShang]

Chinese concept put into UN Security Council resolution
Xinhua, March 19, 2017

The Chinese concept of building "a human community with shared destiny" was on Friday incorporated into a UN Security Council resolution for the first time, mirroring the global recognition of China's great contributions to the global governance, diplomats told Xinhua.

Also included in the newly adopted council resolution was China's Belt and Road Initiative, which aims to build a trade and infrastructure network connecting Asia with Europe and Africa along the ancient trade routes, they said.

In a unanimously adopted resolution to renew the mandate of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) for one year, the 15-nation UN body urged to promote security and stability in Afghanistan and the region "to create a community of shared future for mankind."

Meanwhile, the latest council resolution also urged further international efforts to strengthen regional cooperation and implement the Belt and Road Initiative.

The Security Council stressed "the crucial importance of advancing regional cooperation in the spirit of win-win cooperation as an effective means to promote security, stability and economic and social development in Afghanistan and the region to create a community of shared future for mankind," the resolution said.

Since China first proposed the concept in late 2012, it has gone on to shape China's approach to global governance, giving rise to proposals and measures to support growth for all.

In the same resolution, the council "welcomes and urges further efforts to strengthen the process of regional economic cooperation, including measures to facilitate regional connectivity, trade and transit, including through regional development initiatives such as the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st-Century Maritime Silk Road (the Belt and Road) Initiative, and regional development projects."

The Belt and Road Initiative, put forward by Chinese President Xi Jinping in 2013, has won support from over 100 countries and international organizations, with nearly 50 cooperation agreements signed between governments.

By adopting the new resolution, the Security Council decided to extend the mandate of the UNAMA for another year, until March 17, 2018.

After the council's unanimous adoption of the resolution, Liu Jieyi, the Chinese permanent representative to the United Nations, told reporters here that the Chinese concept was put into a Security Council resolution for the first time on Friday, thus showing the consensus of the international community on embracing the concept, and manifesting huge Chinese contributions to the global governance.

The Chinese envoy said that latest council move is conducive to creating a favorable atmosphere for China to host a Belt and Road forum for international cooperation in Beijing this May in order to brainstorm on interconnected development.

The upcoming forum will explore ways to address regional and global economic problems, generate fresh energy for interconnected development, and ensure that the Belt and Road Initiative delivers greater benefits to people of the countries involved.

At the same time, Liu also voiced his hope that all UN member states will take an active part in the joint efforts to carry out the Chinese initiative and the Chinese concept by implementing the new council resolution. Resolutions adopted by the Security Council are legally binding

***

Changing international discourse takes time and requires comprehensive national power in which material reality creates ideas and then those ideas are turned into praxis.

This is part of China's effort to re-shape international discourse. Piece by piece.