The International Political System has been dominated by western ideas for most of human history. From the dominance of the Greek City-States, the Roman Empire, the European Colonial era, and more recently, the dominance of the US. The rest of the world has largely developed in the shadow of this western world despite having exhibited significant events of its own, such as the early civilisations, and the expedition of Zheng He in the 15th century. China's recent rise has generated debate about the significance of the non-western world. Spurred on by reforms, China has become the second largest economy in the world and is projected to surpass the US in the near future. With its increasing economic size, there has been a commensurate increase in global status. It has, however, attracted scrutiny in terms of its status and intentions within a western defined international order, especially in the role of security and defence. China attempts to allay these concerns, in part, by promoting a peaceful development thesis, and publishing more information. The latest Chinese Defence White Paper was released on 16 April 2013 and comprises of a preface, five specific chapters and a conclusion.
The aim of this paper is to critically analyse China's "peaceful rise" / "peaceful development" thesis in relation to the 2013 Chinese Defence White Paper. This will be done by examining the preface and each of the sections in turn and demonstrating that there is limited prospects of peaceful development from a theoretical and behavioural perspective. It will be demonstrated that China's peaceful development thesis is being undermined by the actions it is taking and the perceived shortcomings of the White Paper, both of which are adding impetus to th...
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Throughout, 1900- 1950 there were a number of changes and continuities in China. From the fall of the dynasties to the rise of the Communist Party, these changes shaped China’s government and society. Although, many political changes were made multiple continuities were held constant such as, consistent rebellions and the lack of democracy.
China is the most populous state in the world, with over 1.3 trillion inhabitants (Central Intelligence Agency 2010). Because of its large population base, China also has the largest military and a booming economy that is third only America and Japan in terms of GDP; however, economic trends show that Japan’s economy is stagnating, while the American Chinese economies continue to spike upward (Google, Inc. 2010). Despite its growing economy and large military force, China lags behind America in technology and naval power. Chinese Admiral Wu Shengli said, “The Navy will move faster in researching and building new-generation weapons to boost the ability to fight in regional sea wars under the circumstance of information technology” (Xuequan 2009). This quote shows that China wants to remain a regional sea power, and not develop a blue-water navy that can compete with the American navy. Furthermore, a Popular Mechanics article showed the world that China was stealing American military “leap ahead” technology, or technology that is decades ahead of Chinese technology (Cooper 2009).
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With the end of the Cold War emerged two superpowers: The United States and the Soviet Union. The international system then was considered bipolar, a system where power is distributed in which two states have the majority of military, economic, and cultural influence both internationally and regionally. In this case, spheres of influence developed, meaning Western and democratic states fell under the influence of U.S. while most communist states were under the influence of the Soviet Union. Today, the international system is no longer bipolar, since only one superpower can exist, and indisputably that nation is the United States. However China is encroaching on this title with their rapid growth educationally, economically, and militaristically.
The rise in China from a poor, stagnant country to a major economic power within a time span of twenty-eight years is often described by analysts as one of the greatest success stories in these present times. With China receiving an increase in the amount of trade business from many countries around the world, they may soon be a major competitor to surpass the U.S. China became the second largest economy, last year, overtaking Japan which had held that position since 1968 (Gallup). China could become the world’s largest economy in decades.