VCE INTERNATIONAL STUDIES UNIT 4

VCE INTERNATIONAL STUDIESUNIT 4 Power in the Asia-Pacific region

What is national interest? • National interest refers to a country’s goals and ambitions. It can be economic, military or cultural. • Pursuit of wealth • Economic growth and power • Preservation of nation’s culture

National Interest • Guide interactions between states • Used to justify particular policy preferences • A tool to identify the goals or objectives of foreign policy • Changes over time, depending on the political grouping of the governing party, needs of the state and external events. • National security and the survival of the nation state is paramount to national interest It has come to represent the entire rationale for the exercise of state power in international relations.

National Interest • National interests can be: long term (PRC by 2020 GDP per capita x 2) short term (policy to reduce unemployment by 200,000 within a year) National interests are mainly planned, but need to be adaptive to international events (e.g. 2004 Boxing Day Tsunami – restructuring debt and loans to S.E. Asian countries became of primary importance for many states).

National Interest • National interests cover many issues: Military Economic Cultural and environmental security Upholding ideological values Evidence of national interests is viewed in government white papers, press releases and statements from government leaders.

Nations, nation states and states • “Nation” refers to a group of people within a defined geographic area who share common cultural characteristics (culturally homogenous) such as language, religion and historical identity, but do not have recognised sovereignty. • e.g. Kurdish people of northern Iraq (3.7 million) who seek self determination. As they are not a sovereign government, they cannot raise issues in traditional forums such as the UN.

Nations, nation states and states • “Nation state” refers to the political process of governing a particular geographic area, with defined territorial boundaries. Nation states have sovereignty, so their ability to exercise control over a geographic area is internationally recognised. • e.g. Japan

Nations, nation states and states • “State” refers to the political process of governing a particular geographic area, with defined territorial boundaries. It has sovereignty but is different to a “nation state” in that the people are not culturally homogenous. • e.g. Indonesia (an archipelago of 17,508 islands comprising 4 major ethnic groups, 5 major religions, and 4 main languages) has had to deal with issues of separatism in parts of the state (Aceh, Irian Jaya)

CHINA’S POWER • Positioned to possibly be the next superpower. • Economic growth averaged over 10% in the last 5 years. • World’s largest producer of steel • World’s second biggest user of energy • One of the world’s largest exporters • Politically – has a seat on the UN Security Council (used veto in pursuit of China’s national interests e.g. 2008 China used it’s veto to stop a UN resolution imposing UN sanctions on President Mugabe of Zimbabwe, as Zimbabwe is a key market for China’s arms.

CHINA’S POWER • Militarily – modernising it’s military, and increasing spending to $US64.6 billion annually – trying to contest US air and maritime supremacy in the Western Pacific.

CHALLENGES TO CHINA’S RISING POWER • China’s rise is not guaranteed as they face challenges internally from separatist groups and mounting dissatisfaction of the economic distribution in some portions of the population. • 17 of the 20 most polluted cities are in China. • 1/3 of population have no access to clean drinking water • 180 million people still live on less than $1 a day • Social problems are having a dramatic impact on internal social cohesion (spring 2008 riots in Lhasa and Khotan, July 2008 Yunnan bombings) • The more developed and prosperous the country becomes, the more insecure and threatened the Chinese leaders feel as an authoritarian regime.

CHINA’S NATIONAL INTERESTS • Many and varied, but 4 key national interests are: • Economic development • Territorial integrity • Improved international standing • Creation of a socialist harmonious society

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT • Growth is a result of Beijing’s efforts to open up the economy to market forces. This was initiated by Deng Ziaoping at 1978 annual Communist Party of China conference. • Third largest global trader – total trade in2004 was over $US 1.1 trillion, surpassing Japan. • Statement by Chinese president HuJintao in April 2005 clearly outlined economic development as China’s top priority.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ACTIONS • Actions supporting economic development: • Joined WTO in 2002 • Allowed private ownership of homes in 2004 • Passed legislation making foreign investment into China easier • Dropped average tariffs from 56% in 1982 to 11% in 2003. • Achieved Most Favoured Nation status with US in 2000

CHALLENGES TO CHINA’S ECONOMIC GROWTH • China’s economic size will potentially surpass US by mid 21st. Century, but per capita remains low. • Disparity in wealth across the country. Cities and coastal areas remain the beneficiaries of development but internal regions and rural areas largely underdeveloped. 135 million have risen from poverty between 1999 and 2004. The richest 10% of citizens hold 45% of the state’s wealth.

CHALLENGES TO CHINA’S ECONOMIC GROWTH • Increasing vocal public outrage e.g. 2008 anti-France rallies in response to Sarkozy’s threat to boycott Olympics if China did not initiate dialogue with Tibet. • Lack of political transparency and accusations of massive governmental corruption (estimated to cost Chinese economy over $86 billion a year)

CHALLENGES TO CHINA’S ECONOMIC GROWTH • Rapidly aging population due to one-child policy. Approx. 70% of elderly are financially dependent on offspring. • Pool of workers is drying up. • Environmental issues: air pollution, soil erosion and desertification. World Bank estimates pollution is responsible for 750,000 deaths in China annually and 70% of the 2 million cancer deaths annually are pollution related. • Coal consumption (2/3 of China’s energy consumption) key contributor to sulfur dioxide emissions has caused acid rain to fall in over 30% of the country.

CHALLENGES TO CHINA’S ECONOMIC GROWTH • Rising under and unemployment Former Vice President of CCP ZhengBijian projected that from 2006 to 2015, 24 million new jobs will have to be created in cities each year. Ministry of Education expected that 25% of the 3.38 million students who graduated in 2005 would be unable to find jobs.

CHALLENGES TO CHINA’S ECONOMIC GROWTH • China’s economic growth is dependent upon good relations with other states, diplomacy and co-operation in multilateral forums. • Economic sanctions were placed on China by many states after the 1989 student protests in Tiananmen Square. As a result, China realised that it’s internal affairs affect the external gains it can make on an international stage and hence, it’s national interests. E.g. It’s economic development is heavily reliant on favourable relations with other states (trade, global investment)

TERRITORIAL INTEGRITY • Population: >1.3 billion • Majority ethnic group: Han Chinese 91.9% • 8.1% (100 million people) are not Han Chinese • Three key issues of territorial integrity: • Taiwan • Tibet • Uighur region of Xinjiang

TERRITORIAL INTEGRITY • Important to Beijing’s desire to create a socialist harmonious society that none of these regions declare or seek to attain independence. • If one succeeded, Beijing fears it would encourage further separatism from the state, undermining the power and public face of the government. • Beijing refers to “one of the three forbidden forces of terrorism, extremism and separatism”

TERRITORIAL INTEGRITY Taiwan • “One China” policy of Beijing – states that the Chinese territory is one nation and cannot be divided into 2 Chinas or one China and one Taiwan. • China seeks to peacefully reunify with Taiwan on the basis of “one country, two systems”.

INTERNATIONAL STANDING • Permanent seat on UN Security Council • Acknowledged nuclear power • Capable of independently launching humans into space • Hosting 2008 Olympics • Increased role in six-party talks on North Korea (“shuttle diplomacy”) • China recognises that peace and stability assists in their economic development

INTERNATIONAL STANDING • Increased involvement in multilateral settings and institutions: • Joined APEC in 1991 • Joined ASEAN Regional Forum in 1994 • Signed Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) in 1992 • Signed Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) in 1996 • Attempts to establish ASEAN Free Trade Agreement • Sends personnel to UN peacekeeping missions • Supports a code of conduct over South China Sea dispute • Not exercising it’s UN Security Council veto on Iraq question in 2003 • Cancelled $10 billion in debt from Africa • Resolving border disputes • Staunch support for WTO • Joint military exercises with India and Japan in 2007 • Presidential visits to traditional regional rivals e.g. Japan and India

INTERNATIONAL STANDING • All multilateral setting efforts to allay international fears of China’s rising power. Wants to be seen as a “good neighbour” internationally. • Attempting to gain influence alongside the United States. • While actively seeking the cultivation of friendly relations with it’s neighbours and great world powers, Beijing is careful not to be seen as too “soft” due to issues with separatist groups in Tibet, Taiwan and Xinjiang.

CONTRADICTIONS TO INTERNATIONAL STANDING EFFORTS • However, at times China has acted contrary to these efforts e.g. Along with Russia in 2008, refusing to impose UN sanctions on President Mugabe in Zimbabwe, claiming it is wary of setting a precedent for Security Council intervention in internal affairs of member states. • China supports Khartoum govt. in Sudan (accused of Darfur genocide). Chinese built weapons factory in Sudan circumvents 2004 UN arms embargo and 10% of all imported oil into China comes from Sudan. Beijing has invested $15 billion in Sudan since 1996.

THREATS TO INTERNATIONAL STANDING • Quality issues with manufactured goods from China. • E.g. 2007 scandals over concerns from lead paint in toys manufactured in China • Antifreeze in toothpaste • Chemicals in pet food caused deaths of cats and dogs in North America • 2008, tainted milk products led to the death of Chinese children and babies, hospitalisations of thousands more and bans on many related products.

THREATS TO INTERNATIONAL STANDING • China required to implement tighter regulations and stricter controls. “Made in China” label is becoming a warning for consumers (Democrat Senator Dick Durbin)

CREATION OF A HARMONIOUS SOCIETY • 17th. Annual Chinese Party Congress in 2007 saw the Communist Party state an aim to build a “harmonious society” by 2020. • China’s rapid economic development has brought with it a “million mutinies” that if not managed and dealt with by the Party threaten to derail the government and it’s autonomy.

PROBLEMS FOR A “HARMONIOUS SOCIETY” • Inadequate social security and welfare system • Government spends 0.8% of GDP on health services, as a result healthcare is not available for most citizens • National spending for education is 3.28% of GDP (2003) – well below the average percentage for developing countries of 4.1%. • Government seizure of land (increasing 17.3% to 131,000 cases in 2006) – about 100,000 hectares of land. Approx. 1.5 million Beijing citizens evicted to give way to Olympic Games

PROBLEMS FOR A “HARMONIOUS SOCIETY” • Spiralling inflation • Environmental pollution • Separatist claims • Under and unemployment • Unequality of development between coastal and inland regions • Official corruption, incompetence and negligence

CHINESE ACTIONS FOR A “HARMONIOUS SOCIETY” • Chinese citizens becoming more active in protesting over these issues – number of “mass incidents” rising from 10,000 in 1994 to 74,000 in 2004. • Outbursts of national pride are seen as a threat by Beijing. E.g. Burning French flags and boycott of French stores in China in response to Sarkozy’s proposed boycott of the 2008 Olympic Games opening. • Beijing leaders in constant fear that their days in power are numbered. President Jintao used “harmony” 33 times in the 17th. Party Congress report in 2007. Other commonly used words were “Socialism with Chinese characteristics”, “scientific development” and “opening and reform”.

CHINA’S FOREIGN POLICY • Foreign policy interests carried out based on 2 core guiding policy documents: - Five Principles of Peaceful Co-existence - 1998 New Security Concept

FIVE PRINCIPLES OF PEACEFUL CO-EXISTENCE 1954 • Mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity. • Mutual non-aggression • Non-interference in each other’s internal affairs • Equality and mutual benefit • Peaceful co-existence in developing diplomatic relations and economic and cultural exchanges with other countries.

NEW SECURITY CONCEPT, 1998 • Asia-Pacific region and the world are moving inexorably towards multipolarity and that regional dialogue and co-operation are the best way to ensure peace and stability. • Smoothing relations with China’s immediate neighbours through border agreements and related confidence-building measures.

NEW SECURITY CONCEPT, 1998 • Collaborating with Russia to counterbalance US international security postures related to arms control and peace enforcement • Implementing a regional diplomacy of “anti-hegemony” designed to shape a regional security environment where US alliance systems will no longer be relevant or necessary.

NEW SECURITY CONCEPT, 1998 • The 1998 document presents a challenge to US interests in the region. • The rhetoric of policy must be examined along with China’s actions.

POLICY INSTRUMENTS TO ACHIEVE CHINA’S NATIONAL INTERESTS • China seeks to achieve it’s national interests using a number of instruments of its power. • Military Instruments – has served particularly the territorial integrity national interest, with mixed results. • e.g. One China policy is still technically intact as Taiwan has not formally declared independence, although Beijing considers the intention of the policy has been breached due to increasing pro-independence position of Taiwan in past decade. • March 2008 Lhasa riots (Tibet) where Beijing used strong military force evoked international outrage and gave voice to separatist claims.

MILITARY INSTRUMENT • China has exercised it’s military power by: • Testing its military hardware • Carrying out simulated exercises of the invasion of Taiwan • Publicising military activities • Advertising it’s purchase of military hardware • Increasing its budget for purchasing military hardware • Placing armaments and troops facing Taiwan across the Strait • Carrying out joint military exercises with other states • Threatening military invasion when Taiwan is considered to have contravened the One China policy. • Actual use of military force

CONSEQUENCES OF USING MILITARY POWER • Since Tiananmen Square the international community is wary and watchful how China deals with domestic issues – especially the US.

DIPLOMATIC INSTRUMENTS • China has exercised its diplomatic power by: • Public denouncement of a state which expresses support or sympathy for separatist groups (usually followed by a demand for an apology) • Formal recognition of a state that does not recognise the sovereignty of Taiwan (a prerequisite to establishing trading relations) • Recalling its ambassador in states that are seen to “insult” China • Closing it’s embassy in a state that recognises Taiwan • Uses its veto in UN to ensure recognition or support for separatist groups does not occur • Limits Taiwanese membership and participation in international organisations and events • Stops separatist political leaders from making international visits

DIPLOMATIC INSTRUMENTS • States that choose to recognise both the PRC and ROC or the ROC over the PRC have all links with Beijing cut (usually diplomatic links but can also be economic in the form of imposing tariffs or withdrawal of aid). Taiwan is thus often isolated from the international community. e.g. 1995 US approval for visit of Taiwanese President Lee Teng-hui to visit his alma mater was seen as a violation of the One China principle and the Chinese ambassador to US was recalled.

ISOLATING TAIWAN • Taiwan’s attempts to join UN (latest 2008) China uses it’s veto in the Security Council but also persuades other states to oppose membership. • E.g. 2004 attempt – 15 states supported Taiwan, 93 states were mobilised by China to oppose membership. Currently approx. 24 states (mainly small Pacific Island states such as Nauru) recognise sovereignty of Taiwan.

CHINA AND TIBET • China stops adoption of any UN resolutions that supports independence of Tibetan people. • China argues it is an “internal affair” (although the Responsibility to Protect doctrine suggests otherwise) • Foreign leaders who meet with the Dalai Lama receive uproar and criticism from China. E.g. British PM Gordon Brown meeting with Dalai Lama in May 2008, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in 2011. • China considers this pressure makes it more difficult for separatist groups to push for formal independence.

CHINA’S EMERGING INTERNATIONAL ROLE • Diplomatic power is also used by Beijing to create a role for itself in the international arena. e.g. Its participation in persuading Khartoum govt. to accept UNAMID forces into Sudan in 2008. e.g. Moves towards improving relations with potential strategic rival Japan. China hopes that Japan will not see it’s rise as a threat and with good relations will support it over Taiwan.

POLITICAL INSTRUMENTS • Political power demonstrated by: • Making gestures to symbolise China’s desire for the peaceful resolution of territorial issues • Making public denouncements of separatist behaviour • Garnering international disapproval for separatist actions • Domestic legislation • Propaganda media • Meetings with separatist leaders

POLITICAL INSTRUMENTS • China uses the “Three Direct Links” policy as a form of political power. • The “Three Direct Links” refer to: • Direct mail service • Air and shipping services • Trade across the Taiwan Strait Beijing considers these should not be hampered by artificial or political factors and should be maintained also in an effort to open up new opportunities for cross-strait economic co-operation which will benefit economic development for both sides of the Strait and make independence harder for Taiwan.

LEGISLATION TO SUPPORT POLITICAL POWER • Legislation has been used to curb separatist sentiments in Xinjiang and Tibet. e.g. Policy of forced migration of Han Chinese into Tibet to dilute the culture. This is further supported by the opening up of a train link between Beijing and Lhasa. e.g. Crushing campaign of religious repression of Uighurs in Xinjiang – including forced abortions, closing mosques and prohibition of teaching the Uighur language in schools.

POLITICAL INSTRUMENTS AND INVESTMENT/TRADE • Beijing has passed legislation to make foreign direct investment activities into the state “more effective and efficient”, seeing an increase of FDI of 54.97% to $42.78 billion for the period January to May 2008 compared with a year earlier. An increase in 11,000 new overseas-funded enterprises during this period (Ministry of Commerce).

ECONOMIC INSTRUMENTS • Economic instruments of power include: • Encouraging economic links between China and separatist territories • Chequebook diplomacy • “Aid” for oil • Enticing other states with trade and business deals in return for formal condemnation of separatist activity Beijing has emphasised use of economic instruments (along with other “soft” powers of political and diplomatic) as there are less consequences than in the use of military instruments, and the money is helpful in it’s economic development.

VCE INTERNATIONAL STUDIES UNIT 4