China fashions a maritime identity

Abstract

How will an emerging, increasingly sea-power-minded China manage its relations with seafaring neighbors in Asia? This study uses the international relations concepts of ”identity” and ”strategic culture” to appraise China's emerging diplomacy as it pertains to maritime affairs. A nation's strategic culture at once shapes and can be shaped by the thoughts and actions of important decision-makers. A nation-state's leaders thus can craft a certain identity, conveying how the nation-state will conduct itself in international affairs. This has both domestic and international uses. China's rulers have set out to rally the populace behind their quest for sea power-a quest they see as vital for economic development-and to assuage concerns among fellow Asian sea powers over the naval arms buildup China has undertaken in recent years. Are they sincere in their professions of benevolence? This study examines possible futures for China's maritime diplomacy, concluding that China's leadership neither shrinks from the use of force nor views it as a first resort. Rather, China's leaders will manage their nation's identity and strategic culture prudently in the service of their interests. A welcoming but watchful attitude befits Asian powers surveying China's maritime rise.