The current issue has to do with China nullifying its prior commitments to international laws and treaties.
You're the first Chinese to ever mention "encirclement" to me. I know it was bandied about prior to 1971 but of course Nixon and Kissinger and their successors worked hard to alleviate Chinese anxieties - a little too much, it seems.
It's been natural for nations experiencing the burgeoning strength of industrialization to consider imperialism. I'd like to think the Chinese will be wiser and avoid following the errors of the Japanese, British, Germans, and Dutch. But maybe not.
China did not nullify any commitment to international law. When we signed the UNCLOS, there were two separate documents. One dealt with the boundaries of the territorial water and EEZ etc, and the other dealt with UN court arbitration in case of dispute. We did not sign the second document, like vast majority of countries (Philippines included at the time). Thus, the UN court has no juristiction over us. Second, the PRC maintained the same claim to territories since 1949, and have even settled for less. The previous KMT government claims a much larger area than current PRC. The only difference is we now have the economic and military strength to enforce our borders.
As far as encirclements go, for a time period United States did ease off of it. However, it was not because they were kind, but because they needed China as an ally against Soviet Union. As soon as the USSR was starting to break apart, you redoubled the effort again, though delayed by your War on Terror for about a decade. That's fine, since we are competitors. However, don't expect us to not to take steps to counter your efforts.
Now your bit on imperialism is just funny. How many countries did you invade and how many governments did you topple? Who maintains military bases in over 70 countries? While we are no angels, do look in the mirror next time you point finger at us about imperialism.
China are no different - there has been lots of chest thumping by the PLA and Chinese media , their arm chair Generals and TV Admirals are threatening to nuke Australia , destroying Japan in 30 minutes and mention America will run like rabbits in war also the possibility and threat of war with nations around the region mainly Philippines and Vietnam.
I don't think these comment are amusement to nations around the region , like its used to amuse the Chinese audience , nevertheless I don't believe china can afford a conflict and the world has moved on from imperial expansionist idea , unless Chinese want to rewind the clock.
Peaceful rise of China is as dead as a dodo - don't know if anybody believe this anymore
Every country has hawkish voices, and yet we are the threatening ones? How many times has US politicians openly call for military action on camera? The Western world constantly invades and interfere with others, yet you call us the imperialists. The hypocrisy is simply staggering.
You do have one thing right though. Peaceful rise of China is a dead concept. Dead because the West, primarily United States and its Asian bootlickers, chose to make it impossible. While we prefer the peaceful way, we are certainly not going to let you walk all over us.
