7 Power Shift and Change in the International System

Abstract

China's rise has resulted in a power shift from Europe to East Asia, and a changing international configuration is in the making. The international system is composed of three elements, namely international actors, an international configuration, and international norms. A typological change in any of these elements cannot be equated to a type change in the international system. Therefore, we state that a type change in the international system must be preconditioned by a type change in at least two system elements. Since China's rise is a main cause for a shift in international configuration and the systematic pressure it faces during its rise will trend up. Therefore, China needs to map out foreign strategies in line with its status as the world's second largest economy. It must pursue the principle of making strategic friends and establish new international norms. Keywords: China; east Asia; Europe; foreign strategies; international system; power shift