China's Use of Armed Coercion: To Win Without Fighting

This book examines how China has used its armed forces to coerce other actors in the international system over the past 20 years,including through threats,intimidation,and armed confrontation. It provides new analysis of an original dataset on coercive actions and presents expert case studies of the most consequential examples. The volume contributes to a more historically informed understanding of great power competition.

Format: Unspecified
Length: 268 pages
Publication date: 17 November 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

China's rise to international prominence as a "great power" has been undeniable over the past two decades. Accompanied by substantial investments in military modernization, China has adopted an increasingly assertive regional posture. While China has not engaged in war since 1979, it has frequently resorted to "gangster tactics," including threats, intimidation, and armed confrontation, to advance its strategic objectives. This volume aims to shed light on China's use of military and paramilitary tools to coerce other states and examine the motivations and specific foreign policy objectives behind these actions.

The study presents a comprehensive analysis of an original dataset on coercive actions undertaken by China's armed forces, considering the political objectives pursued and the environmental contexts in which these operations occurred. It also includes a series of expert case studies that highlight the most consequential examples of China using force to coerce in recent decades. By providing a more historically informed and empirically based understanding of great power competition, this book will be of significant interest to students of Chinese security and foreign policy, strategic studies, Asian politics, and International Relations.

China's military and paramilitary capabilities have grown significantly in recent years, reflecting its increasing assertiveness and global influence. The country has modernized its armed forces, including its navy, air force, and ground forces, with a focus on enhancing their capabilities and improving their interoperability. China has also developed a range of advanced technologies, such as ballistic missiles, cyber warfare capabilities, and surveillance systems, which it has used to enhance its military capabilities and project power beyond its borders.

One of the primary ways in which China has used its military and paramilitary tools to coerce other states is through its territorial claims in the South China Sea. China has long disputed the sovereignty of several islands and reefs in the South China Sea, which are also claimed by other countries in the region, including the Philippines, Vietnam, and Malaysia. In recent years, China has conducted military exercises and patrols in the South China Sea, often accompanied by threats of force to assert its claims. These actions have raised tensions in the region and have led to concerns about the potential for conflict.

Another example of China's use of force to coerce other states is its involvement in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). The BRI is a Chinese government-led infrastructure project that aims to connect China with Europe, Asia, and Africa through a network of roads, railways, and ports. While the BRI has brought economic benefits to many countries, it has also been criticized for its environmental impact, its reliance on Chinese loans, and its potential for political coercion. China has used its military and paramilitary capabilities to secure access to critical infrastructure projects and to exert influence over countries participating in the BRI.

China has also used its military and paramilitary tools to coerce other states in the context of regional conflicts. For example, China has provided military support to the government of Syria in its civil war, which has led to concerns about the potential for conflict to spill over into neighboring countries. China has also been involved in disputes with India and Japan over territorial claims in the East China Sea and the South China Sea, respectively, which have raised tensions in the region.

In addition to its use of force to coerce other states, China has also employed diplomatic and economic measures to advance its strategic objectives. China has established close relations with countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America, through which it has sought to expand its economic and political influence. China has also used its economic power to pressure other countries to adopt its policies and values, such as its stance on human rights and the rule of law.

Despite its growing military and paramilitary capabilities, China has also demonstrated a willingness to engage in peaceful dialogue and cooperation with other countries. China has signed numerous international agreements, including the Paris Agreement on climate change, and has worked to promote peace and stability in the region. China has also established diplomatic relations with the United States, which has helped to reduce tensions and improve communication between the two countries.

In conclusion, China's use of its armed forces to coerce other actors in the international system has been a significant feature of its foreign policy in recent decades. While China has not engaged in war since 1979, it has frequently resorted to "gangster tactics" to advance its strategic objectives. This volume provides a comprehensive analysis of China's use of military and paramilitary tools to coerce other states and examines the motivations and specific foreign policy objectives behind these actions. By providing a more historically informed and empirically based understanding of great power competition, this book will be of significant interest to students of Chinese security and foreign policy, strategic studies, Asian politics, and International Relations.

Weight: 689g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032481838