China and International Security: How Law and Politics Work

Abstract

The history of international relations has demonstrated again and again that, at junctures of great shifts in global power, international peace is likely to be endangered by the accelerated mistrust, misjudgment, and rivalries between the new and old great powers, and that power politics may more often come at the cost of international law. As China becomes a global power, it has become more relevant to international society not only as a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council but also, and more importantly, as a party to disputes. As an in-depth examination of policy and practice of China and the United States concerning security in cyberspace, security at sea, and Taiwan-related security in this article shows, while international law may make a difference, it is not enough to ensure international security. In the context of great power rivalry, politics may often prevail over international law. However, it is also likely that politics could be conducted in a manner that enhances international security. I. Introduction