Identity, Culture, and Chinese Foreign Policy: THAAD and China's South Korea Policy

This book examines the role of identity and Chinese face culture in Chinese foreign policy by analyzing China's political and economic retaliation against South Korea's deployment of the THAAD system. It argues that China's responses were shaped by different expectations based on whether states perceived China as a friend or a rival. Through three case studies, it demonstrates how identity and culture influence China's reactions to neighboring countries.

Format: Hardback
Length: 182 pages
Publication date: 30 November 2020
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This comprehensive book delves into the intricate interplay of identity and Chinese face culture in shaping Chinese foreign policy, particularly in response to South Korea's deployment of the THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Area Defense) system on its soil. Through a detailed examination of the historical and military actions of China, Japan, and North and South Korea, the author argues that China's divergent responses were influenced by differing expectations based on whether states perceived themselves as friends or rivals. By exploring three case studies—the Taepodong-2 missile launch and first nuclear test by North Korea in 2006, South Korea's decision to allow the United States to deploy the THAAD around 2016, and Japan's decision to deploy two U.S. X-band radars in 2005 and 2014—the author demonstrates how Chinese face culture influences China's reactions to others through the dynamics of seeking, saving, and losing face. This insightful analysis provides valuable insights into the role of identity and culture in international relations, making it a must-read for scholars of Chinese foreign policy, Sino-South Korean relations, Sino-North Korean relations, Sino-Japanese relations, Korean Politics, Asian Politics, and International Relations.

Weight: 440g
Dimension: 161 x 241 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367553302