China and International Institutions: Shaping the Global Order

China's rise as a global power has brought significant changes to the dynamics of international institutions. As the world's second-largest economy and with a population of over 1.4 billion people, China's role in shaping the global order cannot be ignored. In this article, we will explore how China has exerted its influence and navigated the complexities of international institutions to safeguard its national interests and contribute to the global community.

The Importance of International Institutions

International institutions, such as the United Nations (UN),the World Trade Organization (WTO),and the International Monetary Fund (IMF),play a vital role in facilitating cooperation among nations, resolving disputes, and promoting economic stability. These institutions provide a platform for countries to collaborate on issues of global significance, ensuring a rules-based international order.

For China, participation in international institutions is crucial to protect its national interests, expand its global influence, and foster economic growth. As a nation with vast economic potential and ambitious development plans, China recognizes that a stable and harmonious global environment is essential for its continued rise.

China and International Institutions: Alternate Paths to Global Power (Asian Security Studies)

by Marc Lanteigne(1st Edition, Kindle Edition)

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	989 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	241 pages

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China in the United Nations

China has been an active participant in the United Nations since its founding in 1945. As one of the five permanent members of the Security Council, China holds significant influence over global security decisions, including the power to veto resolutions. China has used its position to safeguard its sovereignty interests, particularly on issues related to Tibet, Taiwan, and human rights.

Moreover, China has increased its involvement in UN peacekeeping missions, becoming one of the largest contributors of troops among the permanent members. This demonstrates China's commitment to maintaining global peace and stability, as well as its desire to be perceived as a responsible global power.

China's Role in the World Trade Organization

China's entry into the World Trade Organization in 2001 marked a significant milestone in its integration into the global economy. As a member, China has been able to benefit from increased access to international markets, leading to remarkable economic growth and the emergence of a large middle class.

However, China's growing economic might has also raised concerns. Critics argue that China has used protectionist measures and unfair trade practices to gain a competitive advantage, causing imbalances in the global trading system. As a result, tensions have arisen between China and other major economies, most notably the United States.

The Belt and Road Initiative

An important aspect of China's global influence is the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Launched in 2013, the BRI aims to enhance connectivity and promote economic cooperation between China and the rest of the world. Through this initiative, China has been involved in infrastructure projects, trade agreements, and financial cooperation with participating nations.

While the BRI has been praised for its potential to boost economic development in participating countries, it has also faced criticism for alleged debt-trap diplomacy and lack of transparency. Nevertheless, the BRI demonstrates China's commitment to shaping the global order and positioning itself as a key player in international affairs.

China's Influence in the International Monetary Fund

China's economic clout has led to increased influence within the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Reforms implemented in 2010 have given emerging economies, including China, greater voting power and representation within the institution. China's participation in the IMF helps shape decisions on global financial issues, such as currency exchange rates, monetary policies, and financial stability.

Furthermore, China's efforts to internationalize its currency, the renminbi (RMB),have contributed to the diversification of the global financial system. The inclusion of the RMB in the IMF's basket of reserve currencies, known as the Special Drawing Rights, reflects the growing importance of China's economy and its currency on the world stage.

China's engagement with international institutions has allowed it to shape the global order in accordance with its national interests. By participating actively and strategically, China has been able to assert itself as a major player in international affairs, thereby influencing global decision-making processes.

As China continues to grow economically and politically, its relationship with international institutions will remain critical. The dynamics between China and these institutions will shape the future of the global order, determining the balance of power and the rules governing international relations.

China and International Institutions: Alternate Paths to Global Power (Asian Security Studies)

by Marc Lanteigne(1st Edition, Kindle Edition)

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	989 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	241 pages

FREE

China has shifted its foreign policy from one that avoided engagement in international organizations to one that is now embracing them. These moves present a new challenge to international relations theory.

How will the global community be affected by the engagement of this massive global power with international institutions?

This new study explores why China has chosen to abandon its previous doctrine of institutional isolation and details how it is currently unable to balance American power unilaterally and details an indirect path to greater power. In addition, it includes the first major analysis of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, comprising China, Russia and most of Central Asia.

In contrast to many works on the "rise of China" question, which place an emphasis on her material goods and powers, this book delivers a new approach. It shows how the unique barriers Beijing is facing are preventing the country from taking the traditional paths of territorial expansion and political-economic domination in order to develop as a great power. One of these barriers is the United States and its inherent military and economic strength. The other is the existence of nuclear weapons, which makes direct great power conflict unacceptably costly. China has therefore opted for a new path, using institutions as stepping stones to great power status.

This book will be of great interest to students and scholars of international relations, world politics, world history and Asia.