China's New Imperialism: Nature, Causes, and Rationalization

This book explores China's international reassertion, highlighting its belief in high moral authority and its use of non-force strategies for expansion. It argues that this morality underpins China's foreign policies, overseas activities, worldview, and vision of a Chinese world order. However, the book concludes that Beijing's self-privileging high morality might reinforce its behavior that defies international order, increasing the likelihood of non-armed and armed conflicts.

Format: Hardback
Length: 264 pages
Publication date: 14 February 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This comprehensive book delves into the intricate nature of China's current international resurgence and the underlying beliefs and ideologies that drive it. It argues that the Chinese leadership possesses a firm belief in its own high moral authority, emphasizing inclusion, equality, and mutual benefits. This moral framework serves as the guiding force behind China's foreign policies, rationalization of its overseas activities, overarching worldview, and vision of a Chinese world order. The book highlights how China's expansion has primarily been characterized by spreading influence through non-forceful means and strategies of "cooperation" and "managed conflict" within the framework of "winning without fighting." A set of geo-strategic reasoning in China aligns with its pattern of overseas activities, emphasizing the interplay between land power and sea power to achieve a favorable balance of power. The book employs empirical research to examine both policy-making writings that provide realistic assessments of global politics and China's international capacity, as well as narratives for public consumption that prioritize self-interest and realpolitik. Through this multifaceted approach, the book concludes that Beijing's self-privileging high morality may inadvertently reinforce its behavior, which defies international order and elicits disapproval from others. This heightened likelihood of non-armed and armed conflicts underscores the significance of understanding and navigating the complex dynamics driving China's international assertiveness.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032075709