China, Faits Accomplis and the Contest for East Asia: The Shadow of Shifting Power

This book explores China's use of faits accomplis in its periphery, offering the first formal model for the use of faits accomplis by rising powers. It argues that while power shifts provide opportunities for rising states to impose faits accomplis, they also increase the likelihood of war with the dominant state. It surveys existing understandings of power shifts and brings theory and novel modelling to explain China's strategies in the South and East China Seas. The book concludes by assessing strategic options and conditions for peaceful resolution.

Format: Hardback
Length: 156 pages
Publication date: 28 April 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This comprehensive exploration delves into China's strategic utilization of "facts on the ground" in its periphery, presenting the first formal framework for the strategic deployment of such tactics by emerging powers. In the context of increasing scrutiny of great power competition and the blurred boundaries between war and peace, this book sheds light on China's strategic approach to reshaping the maritime status quo in the South and East China Seas. Through rigorous formal modeling and in-depth case study analysis, the book argues that while power shifts offer rising states the opportunity to impose their will through faits accomplis, the use of such tactics also heightens the risk of conflict with dominant states.

The book conducts a comprehensive survey of existing understandings of how power shifts incentivize interstate competition, particularly in the context of Sino-American rivalry. It integrates existing theoretical frameworks and innovative modeling approaches to elucidate China's distinct strategies in the South and East China Seas during the first two decades of the 21st century.

In conclusion, this book offers valuable insights into China's geopolitical strategies, the dynamics of power shifts, and the implications for regional security. It will be of immense interest to students of Chinese politics, Asian security studies, and International Relations, providing a comprehensive and insightful examination of China's role in shaping the global geopolitical landscape.

Weight: 378g
Dimension: 240 x 163 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032329413