Topic 2 China's Step Forward to the World (Form 3 Integrated Humanities) PDF

Topic 2 China’s step forward to the world Form 3 Integrated Humanities In this topic, we are going to learn…… A) The position of China on the international scene today B) How do the international community perceive China’s step forward to the world? C) Opportunities obtained by China with refere...

Topic 2 China’s step forward to the world Form 3 Integrated Humanities In this topic, we are going to learn…… A) The position of China on the international scene today B) How do the international community perceive China’s step forward to the world? C) Opportunities obtained by China with reference to foreign relations D) Challenges faced by China with reference to foreign relations A. Positioning our country on the international scene today Position of China on the international scene Diplomatic Strategy: ‘hiding your capacities and biding your time’ ‘doing something’  Position of China on the international scene However, in face of globalisation China has to play a more active role in international affairs E.g. voicing opinions, creating mechanism, taking responsibilities The Chinese navy dispatched its fleet to carry out escort missions in the Gulf of Aden. What message does the cartoon convey? What message does the cartoon convey? The cartoon shows Chinese diplomatic strategy of ‘hiding your capacities and biding your time’ in 1989. China did not involve in any international affair at that time. However in 2009, China changed its diplomatic policy. It took the initiative to participate in international affairs and the other countries welcomed this change. Position of China on the international scene Active participation in international organisations China has established diplomatic relationship with 180 countries Compared with only about 10 in 1949 China has actively joined more than 100 inter-governmental international organisations China has concluded hundreds of multilateral treaties After China and the US established diplomatic relations, Deng Xiaoping visited the US in 1979. Active participation in international organisations United Nations World Trade Organisation Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Association of Southeast Asian Nations European Union  United Nations Aims at maintaining world peace and security and promoting human progress. The UN has six major organs, two of them are: The General Assembly Composed of all member states Meets once a year The Security Council Made up of five permanent members + ten non-permanent members United Nations Set up during the later period of the Second World War China is a founding member of the UN China is a permanent member of the UN security Council Starting from the 1950s, China has been actively taking part in the UN peacekeeping operations.  World Trade Organisation The largest multilateral trade organisation in the world To help develop smooth, free and fair trade To organise and implement various trade agreements To provide the forum for negotiations among its members concerning their multilateral trade relations To settle disputes among its members To regularly examine the trade policies and regulations of its members World Trade Organisation China officially joined the WTO in 2001 It is helpful for China to participate in international economic cooperation and international division of labour boost the development of domestic economy participate in the determination of international trade rules Describe the trend and the difference of China's import and export before 2001 and after 2001?  Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) An important economic cooperation forum in the Asia-Pacific region Aims at maintaining economic growth and development Promoting economic interdependence among members economies Strengthening multilateral trade system Eliminating trade barriers  China joined the APEC in 1991 The external economy of China relies heavily on the Asia-Pacific Asia-Pacific region Large portion of the Chinese foreign trade is Economic conducted with APEC members Cooperation (APEC) China promotes the development of the international order through participation in the activities of the organisation  Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) The most populous and largest regional international organisation in the Eurasia continent Integrate regional security, political, economic and cultural exchanges Strengthen mutual confidence and good relations among member states Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) The first international organisation established within the territory of China and named after a Chinese city Internal: Mutual trust, mutual benefit and consultation on the basis of equality External: Non-alignment ,non-targeting at any other countries or regions  Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) An international organisation formed by the Southeast Asian countries Aim to promote economic development, social progress and cultural exchange Aim to maintain peace and stability in the region Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) China is not a member state of ASEAN However, China and ASEAN set up a dialogue relationship and conducted all-round co-operation with the ASEAN in the areas of politics, economy, public health, environmental protection, etc The 17th China-ASEAN Expo was held in 2020. The picture shows President Xi Jinping delivering a speech at the opening ceremony. Premier Li Keqiang attended the opening ceremony of the 10th China-ASEAN EXPO. European Union (EU) An important regional organisation in the world European Union (EU) China and the EU have fully developed their relationship Cultural, educational, sports, scientific and technological exchanges become more frequent Sino-EU trade The EU is the largest trading partner of China China has turned into the largest import origin of the EU 🡪 The EU is an important source of foreign capital for China B. Perception of China’s step forward to the world by the international community 1. China threat theory 1. China threat theory Military threat China increases its military expenditure To research on and develop all kinds of armaments To carry out military exercises 🡪 Indicate China plans on military expansion China researches on weapons which raises concerns from the Western society. 1. China threat theory Military threat Shenzhou 7 was the first Chinese space mission to carry a three-person crew for several days and conduct a full operation. Some countries think that the human spaceflight project and lunar exploration project of China are for military purposes 🡪 China is trying to establish II China Lunar Exploration Project Chang Zheng-3 rocket was launched in Xichang Satellite Launch hegemony in the outer Center in 1 October 2010. space 1. China threat theory Economic threat The prices of Chinese exports are low Result in global deflation Manufacturing industry is popular in China. Staff are working on the clothes production. 1. China threat theory Economic threat The prices of Chinese exports are low Result in global deflation The demand of China for energy, resources and food will increase greatly when the Chinese economy develops and population rises Lead to price increase for all kinds of Due to the increase of vehicles, the demand for energy of China also goods increases. 🡪 Bring about the threat of global inflation What message does the cartoon convey? What message does the cartoon convey? The dragon with Chinese flag represents China Olive branch representing peace in its mouth Spotlight from Pentagon, representing the US, shows the missiles on the dragon’s back 🡪 The dragon seems frightened because it was being detected 🡪 The Western society believes China apparently promotes peaceful development 🡪 But in fact it has ambition in military expansion 2. Theory of big power’s responsibility 2. Theory of big power’s responsibility The rapid development of China makes the Western countries regard it as a super power 🡪 They request China to take more responsibilities 🡪 Abide by international treaties of environmental protection 🡪 Greatly reduce tariffs 🡪 Deal with the imbalance of global trade by allowing the exchange rate of Renminbi to appreciate 🡪 Some countries hope China can play a more active role in international affairs and take the initiatives to cooperate with other countries in coping with international crises. As reflected in the two cartoons, what are the respective views of the US on the role of China in the aspect of international affairs? As reflected in the two cartoons, what are the respective views of the US on the role of China in the aspect of international affairs? The US holds a negative view towards China in the aspect of international affairs The US opposes the trade barriers set by China The US thinks that China tries to cover North Korean as she ignores the military provocation by Kim Jong-il 2. Theory of big power’s responsibility China has allowed Renminbi to appreciate gradually. China has also expanded domestic demand In 2008, the Chinese government implemented ‘Home appliances going to the countryside’ to subsidise people living in countryside to buy electrical appliances. 2. Theory of big power’s responsibility China has engaged in more international affairs Took the initiatives to assist the US in handling North Korean nuclear crisis Chinese peacekeepers patrolling in Haiti. Cracked down Somali pirates China has dispatched the largest number of peacekeepers to take part in the UN peacekeeping operations The Western countries hope China could solve the North Korean nuclear crisis by using its influence on North Korea. 3. Stakeholders The Western society used to regard China as a potential strategic competitor Actively promote the China threat theory Sell armament to the Taiwanese authorities Criticise the internal affairs of China concerning human rights and religious issues In 2019, the United States expressed its intention to sell 66 F- 16 fighters to Taiwan.  The 911 Incident in 2001 urges the US to change the polices to China. 3. Stakeholders The US has readjusted its policy on China since the 911 incident in 2001 the US welcomed ‘the emergence of a strong, peaceful and prosperous China” 3. Stakeholders In 2005, the US first put forward the concept of China as ‘a responsible stakeholder’. It maintained that China should be viewed with a practical attitude. Since President Obama started his term of office in 2009, the co-operative Sino- American relations have continued to develop. The then President of the US Barack Obama visited China-US Joint Statement reaffirms the China to meet Former President Hu Jintao. commitment to building positive and co- operative Sino-American relations  The Economist magazine described the Sino- American relations as 'the odd couple'. What are the complications in the US attitude towards China? The Economist magazine described the Sino-American relations as 'the odd couple'. What are the complications in the US attitude towards China? On one hand, the US and China were getting closer while having many common interests between the two countries. Also, there were many chances for cooperation, such as counter- terrorism affairs, handling of global economic recession, and regional conflict mediation, between the two countries. On the other hand, many important issues, such as human rights, trade, the rate of RMB, and ideology, remained unsolved in the Sino-US relation. Also, the US was suspicious about the rise of China and hope to suppress it. C. Opportunities by China with reference to foreign relations 1. Participating in international affairs China has established friendly and co-operative relationships with the major powers, the neighbouring countries and the developing countries. China is committed to participating in international affairs In 2010, China hosted the World Expo. 1. Participating in international affairs To strive for participation in international affairs, Chinese leaders pay frequent visit to different countries in the six continents. In 2013, President Xi visited the US.  In addition, the Chinese leaders strengthen communication with leaders of other related countries through hotlines, attending international conferences, mutual visits of special envoys, etc. In March 2012, China paid visits to Saudi Arabia, Egypt, France to discuss the problem of Syria. What is the For developing the relationships advantage of between China and other the Chinese countries leaders visiting other countries Enhance international frequently to cooperation, such as on trading developing issues. the relationships between Deepen the understanding of China and other countries towards China. other countries?  1. Participating in international affairs The Chinese navy dispatched its fleets to carry out escort missions in the Gulf of Aden at the end of 2008. This was the first time that the Chinese navy organised its The Chinese navy was maritime forces to perform patrolling in the Gulf of Aden international responsibility overseas 2. Developing trade business Since the launch of Reform and Opening-up in 1978, China has been devoted to developing international commercial and trade businesses China’s ‘One Belt One Road’ development initiative In 2013, China proposed the 'One Belt One Road' development initiative. 'One Belt' refers to the 'Silk Road Economic Belt' on land, which extends from China to Central Asia and Europe. 'One Road' refers to the '21st Century Maritime Silk Road', which connects Asia, the Indian Ocean, the Middle East, North Africa and Europe through the ports along the coast of China. 'One Belt One Road' aims to borrow the concept of the 'Silk Road', an ancient Chinese business route to foreign countries, to promote economic, cultural and political co-operation between China and the countries or regions along the route.  What is the ‘One Belt One Road’ development initiative? Explain your answer. What is the ‘One Belt One Road’ development initiative? Explain your answer. It is a transnational economic cooperation project led by China, covering various countries spread across the continents of Asia, Africa, and Europe. It focuses on promoting economic, cultural and political cooperation between China and the countries along the route How can the ‘One Belt One Road’ development initiative promote the ties between China and other countries in the world? Explain your answer. How can the ‘One Belt One Road’ development initiative promote the ties between China and other countries in the world? Explain your answer. It helps to promote economic cooperation among multiple Asian, European, and African countries. E.g. China will provide financing services to assist in the infrastructure and economic development of developing countries 🡪 promote economic, cultural and political ties between China and other countries 🡪 enhance China’s foreign relations and international influence 3. Cultural exchange and transmission China has rich cultural resources It has implemented the strategy of “going out” since the Reform and Opening-up Aims to introduce the Chinese culture to the world and enhance the national soft power 3. Cultural exchange and transmission China has held cultural exchange activities abroad Confucius Institutes and overseas cultural centres have been established around the world 🡪 Help spread the Chinese language and culture throughout the world 3. Cultural exchange and transmission The Beijing Olympic Games in 2008 was a stage for China to show the world its rich and brilliant culture More than 140 heads, heads of government, royal family members and their representatives from countries all over the world attended the opening ceremony 🡪 Show China’s rising status to the world together with global live broadcast  Why is the importance of international cultural exchange? What is the importance of cultural exchange? International cultural exchange enables people to know more about the living habits, culture and history of each other Help people to understand each other from different perspectives 🡪 Relations will become closer 🡪 Mutual trust and understanding can be built up through cultural exchange 🡪 Helps promote effective and mutual beneficial co-operation D. Challenges faced by China with reference to foreign relations 1. Participation in international affairs The achievements made by China in its development and its rapid movement towards the world are recognised by the international community However, China only has limited power to represent and to speak up in the international organisations. 1. Participating in international affairs China’s voting power is limited in the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Whether China can expand its voting power is ultimately to be decided by the Western countries  1. Participation in international affairs In the aspect of resolving international affairs China bears much pressure from international opinions due to the ideological difference E.g. Some countries requested China to mediate the suppression and massacre in Sudan as China has established foreign relations 🡪 China refused as it would not interfere in the internal affairs of the Sudanese government 🡪 international community criticised the Chinese government What message does the cartoon convey? What message does the cartoon convey? There is a man pushing a cart with dead body in the back of the cartoon Represents the conflicts in the Darfur region of Sudan The man with blond hair Represents international community requests China to stop the man’s massacre The Chinese man drinking a drink marked oil is waving his hand Represents China refused the request from the international communities 🡪 The cartoon satirises that China ignores the massacre because Sudan supplies oil to it 1. Participating in international affairs Lacking the right to speak in the international arena, China is strengthening its participation in foreign affairs E.g. make decisions and provides solutions in the major issues concerned by the international community Through participation in the construction of the new international system, China hopes to build a harmonious world instead of hegemony 1. According to Source 1, describe the views of different countries on the increase in China’s influence. Western countries, including the US, Britain, France and Germany, have a relatively negative view on the increase in China’s influence. They hold about 55% of negative views and only 28% of positive view on China’s influence on average The US has the most negative view Some developing countries, such as Russia, Nigeria, Pakistan and Mexico, hold a more positive view on the increase in China’s influence They have an average positive view of 61% while the average negative view is only about 17.5% Nigeria has the most positive view 2. Explain the message given from the comic in Source 2 China is giving money to and conducting the XRL project in developing countries while people of the developing countries are holding out their hands to receive that excitedly. The characters representing Western countries at the back are showing their worries, holding the signs written ‘Objection! China is trying to buy political influence’ and questioning China’s actions. 🡪 the developing countries rely on China’s economic and technical assistance, and are willing to accept China increasing its political influences through investment 🡪 Western countries hold a negative view on the increase in China’s influence in general, while some developing countries are positive on that. 2. Economy and trade Trade frictions Import and export trade has been thriving since China joined the WTO in 2001 China became the world’s largest exporter in the world in 2009 🡪 international trade frictions increased e.g. The US and the EU imposed various trade restrictions on Chinese goods in 2008 during the Global Financial Tsunami 2. Economy and trade defective products exported by China have become the subject of foreign news The Western society believes that the problem of fake products made in China is serious 🡪 Does not trust the ‘made in China’ label 🡪 Poses a creditability crisis to China 2. Economy and trade Foreign investment is hindered Chinese enterprises have encountered setbacks again and again when they make foreign investment E.g. China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) intended to acquire Unocal Corporation of the US in 2005 🡪 the foreign investment failed due to suspicion of the US 🡪 it shows that the foreign development of the Chinese enterprises is still constrained by the Western powers in all aspects  The political system and socialist 3. Thoughts ideology of China are different from those of the Western countries Therefore China is always being and culture suspected ambitious to invade other countries. 3. Thoughts and culture Many Western countries hope that China will carry out political reforms and improve its democracy and human rights 3. Thoughts and culture However, China emphasises non-interference with internal affairs from other countries China also insists that the development of human rights, democracy and freedom of speech should be in line with the national conditions Led to tense relations and suspicions between the Western countries and China The spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China, claimed that differences in the human rights field should be resolved through constructive dialogues and cooperation on the basis of equality and mutual respect 3. Thoughts and culture Facing the ideological differences between China and the West, China expresses its standpoint through various diplomatic approaches: Under the conditions of non-interference with the internal affairs of other countries 🡪 China is willing to construct a harmonious society and make contributions to the world. Self checking 1. What is the position of China on the international scene today? 2. Name 2 international organisations that China has participated in and briefly talk about their functions. 3. What is China threat theory? 4. What kinds of responsibilities that China has fulfilled as a big power? 5. Why is there a change in the US’s attitude towards China? 6. Suggest and explain 2 opportunities and 2 challenges China obtains with reference to foreign relations. Vocabulary list 1. diplomatic strategy 11. military expansion 2. globalisation 12. harmonious society 3. peaceful rise 13. Gulf of Aden 4. multilateral treaties 14. soft power 5. United Nations Security Council 15. economic sanction 6. permanent member 16. creditability crisis 7. trade barriers 17. Belt and Road Initiative 8. Interdependence 18. International Monetary Fund 9. Eurasian continent 19. ideological differences 10. China threat theory 20. hegemony