Chinese Engagement Research Articles

Understanding China’s Engagements in South Asia: Is It Assertive Wolf Warrior, A Cooperative Traditional Or A Crucible of Conglomerate?

China’s engagements in South Asia have various dynamics. This study seeks to explore these dynamics by integrating theoretical perspectives from both Soft Power and Power Transition Theory, examining how China's diplomatic investments, military and diplomatic postures align with these theories. Within the conceptualization of Chinese engagement in the region and to assess the kind of approach China utilizes, the paper will analyze specific case studies of China’s interactions with India, Pakistan, and other smaller South Asian states, which will provide a bigger picture of these approach/engagements that reflects traditional diplomacy or the more assertive Wolf Warrior approach. In terms of methodology, this research adopts an ‘eye of the beholder’ and qualitative approach, utilizing case studies, primary sources and secondary sources in scientific manner to examine the rhetoric and actions of China.

Security in Neutrality: Chinese Engagement In the Middle East and the Red Sea Crisis

AbstractChina's interests have expanded rapidly in the Middle East since the turn of the century, and it is now the leading trade partner for many states in the region. The unrest sparked by the war between Israel and Hamas, including the Red Sea shipping crisis that imperils global trade, threatens those interests. The perceived absence of deep Chinese participation in trying to resolve these emergencies contrasts with previous peacekeeping efforts and raises questions about Beijing's willingness to take part in global‐security initiatives. This article analyzes variations in Chinese decision making on the use of force and diplomacy in the Middle East. Based on publicly available data, an examination of sources in English and Chinese, and interviews previously conducted in China, we develop a three‐pronged typology that explains Chinese strategic behavior in the region: military engagement, perceived free riding, and diplomacy. The article contributes to the literatures of security studies, Chinese foreign and military policy, and the security of the Middle East.

Africa–Asia: a tale of worldmaking between alterity and contestation

Abstract Is South-South Cooperation providing a path of alterity for Global South states or is it indelibly caught in extractive and exploitative competition over resources and markets? Do Chinese engagements in the Global South increase African agency? Do they compete with or undermine Western-led Liberal International Order norms and standards? There is now a robust scholarship examining the failures and trepidations of the Liberal International Order especially from the vantage point of Global South perspectives. This scholarship sheds light, among other things, on the threat posed to the existing order by emerging powers engaging in South-South cooperation. Yet, despite the anxiety (or excitement) around South-South cooperation as an alternative to the liberal order, the question remains one of substance and concrete outcomes on whether the global order as we know it is being challenged or reinforced by emerging powers. This article argues for the need to look beyond the state as the main focus of analysis and interrogate the mechanisms, processes, and strategies undertaken by a wide array of actors engaging in South-South Cooperation. The article surveys African Affairs scholarship which takes a granular analysis of these dynamics on the ground from the perspectives of enterprises, agents, private business ventures and so on from China, India, and Brazil and how they navigate their engagements with African counterparts.

UNESCO, the geopolitics of AI, and China’s engagement with the futures of education

ABSTRACT UNESCO's relatively high prestige across East Asia has spurred intensifying efforts by governments to use its imprimatur to legitimate official narratives of the past and visions of the future. This article focuses on China’s use of UNESCO as an arena for competitive national ‘branding’ in the education field, especially relating to STEM and AI. We analyse the Chinese state’s engagement with UNESCO’s education work in the context of shifts in budgetary and political influence within the organisation, and of a growing ‘securitisation’ of education within China itself. We show how Chinese engagement with UNESCO’s educational agenda reflects both domestic political considerations and the ‘major country diplomacy’ of Xi Jinping, as manifested in the ‘Belt and Road Initiative’ and intensifying strategic competition with the USA. We conclude by discussing the implications of rising Chinese influence within the organisation for UNESCO’s capacity for articulating a coherent and consistently humanistic vision for education.

Impact of the Russo-Ukrainian war on Black Sea trade: Geoeconomic challenges

This paper investigates the strategic importance of the Black Sea region in the context of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Focusing on trade dynamics, geopolitical actors, and regional cooperation, the study analyzes the region's transformation and the resulting implications for global trade. The paper examines how the conflict has redefined trade relationships among Black Sea nations and major powers. For this purpose, trend models are evaluated for three-time samples for the export and import of products of 7 countries of the Black Sea Basin in both nominal and relative dimensions. In total, the evaluation and analysis encompass 1764 econometric models. Noteworthy trends include the evolving roles of the EU, the Middle East, and Russia, the potential resurgence of Ukraine, and Turkey's mediating role. The post-conflict landscape could witness heightened Western influence and continued Chinese engagement.

President Pezeshkian and the Destiny of the Iranian “Look to the East”

Incentivizing Russia and China to get tangible benefits for Iran, will be a major priority of the Pezeshkian administration. To achieve this aim, Iran will use rapprochement with the West to catalyze Russian and Chinese engagements with Iran.

How far is Chinese infrastructure investment in Europe a success story?

How far is Chinese infrastructure investment in Europe a success story? REDEFINE will examine what China’s rise means for how we understand global development and, specifically, Europe’s place in it. REDEFINE aims to use the insights from international development to interrogate Chinese engagement in the heart of Europe and, by doing so, reorient the Eurocentric debates in the social sciences around how we define and delimit development, who drives these processes and what it means for societies and communities affected by such investments.

China’s Role in Ensuring Human Security in North Korea

Abstract This study analyzes China’s current role in human security in North Korea, utilizing both broad and narrow interpretations of human security in its analysis. It outlines Chinese engagement with North Korea, human security as a concept, and Chinese conceptualizations of human security, then examines the role China plays in North Korean human security in terms of food aid, development and infrastructure projects, refugee repatriation, and sanctions. It argues that while China protects human security in terms of food aid, it does not promote human security intentionally, as its motivations are strongly related to traditional territorial security. Furthermore, China harms North Korean security when it comes to refugees. In areas of infrastructure and sanctions, however, it has negligible impact. The study thus concludes ways in which China ensures, harms, and negligibly impacts human security in North Korea.

Changing tides in Zambian television broadcasting: Digital migration and Chinese engagement

This paper examines the recent shifts and debates in the organization of the television landscape following the implementation of digital migration in Zambia. It ponders Zambia’s experience in the digital migration exercise, playing particular attention to the country’s interaction with the Chinese company, StarTimes. It discusses the implications of this interaction on ownership and control in the new digitalized television landscape, highlighting the political economic implications on the broadcast sector. The paper also highlights various debates relating to local broadcasting policy in a digitalized environment and offers a timely contribution to the growing academic interest in Chinese involvement and interactions with African media.

Downfall of US Hegemony: Confrontation from China

USA hegemony has gradually declined in recent times and is facing challenges from emerging nations like China. China is expanding its trade relations and infrastructure projects in developing countries. USA’s declining interest in some regions and China’s expansionist foreign policy are the two key factors that put the ball in the court of China. However, the USA is concerned about China's growing influence in trade, economic ties, development projects, and financial support worldwide. In this paper, we are going to discuss how China is substituting the USA in different continents of the world and providing alternatives to the countries that were previously dependent on the USA. The increasing role of China as a mediator as in the case of Saudi Arabia and Iran is a recent example has enhanced its position as a global mediator and possibly a significant player in solving the Russia-Ukraine crisis in the future. USA defeat from the Taliban in Afghanistan and Chinese engagement with the Taliban government has already questioned the USA’s dominance in West Asia. The same in the other regions of the world which we’ll be going to discuss further in this paper presents the question of Whether the Hegemony of the USA is ending and how China is challenging it.

Riding the Dragon in the Scramble for Independence : Chinese-Greenlandic Cooperation on Large-Scale Projects

The article examines the Chinese engagement in the Arctic, with specific focus on large-scale mineral and infrastructure projects in Greenland. Providing an important financial basis for potential Greenlandic independence, these projects also have significant environmental, geostrategic, and political reverberations. This leaves a complex geopolitical context in which Greenland will have to navigate interactions with China cautiously on its path to self-determination.

SITUATING CHINESE AND INDIAN ENGAGEMENT IN AFRICA: A ‘NEW SCRAMBLE FOR AFRICA’?

Africa is often touted as the continent of opportunities. Lately, Africa has realized this potential and has been seeking to turn ‘potentiality’ into ‘actuality.’ It has been at the cusp of geopolitical changes taking place in the regional as well as global order. Governments and businesses from all around the world are rushing to strengthen diplomatic, strategic, and commercial ties. This paper limits its study to understand the role played by India and China in Africa and how it is shaping Africa as well getting shaped in the process. India and China have emerged as two great Asian powers with vibrant economy and huge demography with global ambitions. Not only does Africa offers unexplored resources to feed these rapidly growing Asian giants, it also holds immense geopolitical importance as a voting bloc of 54 countries to shape global opinion in the United Nations and elsewhere. While Africa is big enough for both these emerging powers, but there is a growing concern that the rivalry between China and India could play out to the detriment of African interests and lead to a ‘new scramble for Africa.’

The Sustainable Development and Economic Impact of China's Belt and Road Initiative in Ethiopia.

The purpose of this research is to assess the economic growth and sustainable development of Ethiopia. To what extent does the Chinese investment contribute to the overall economic development of Ethiopia after the Belt Road Initiative (BRI)? What are the main focus areas for development in the region and how does the BRI initiative connect people in the country? This research examines the development process through the use of a case study and discursive analysis to know the result of the investigation. The study is deeply elaborated and the technique adds analytical and qualitative methods. Furthermore, this research attempts to highlight the key approaches and concepts of Chinese engagement in Ethiopia as it attains development in several sectors through the BRI. The BRI is successfully pioneering transport systems, roads, railways, small industries, automotive sectors, and health development programs in Ethiopia. As result, the Chinese investments bring changes to the country after the successful launch of the BRI. Furthermore, the study concludes that there is a need to initiate numerous projects to improve human, social, and economic life in Ethiopia because the country is suffering from many internal problems and China has to work to eradicate recurring problems in the country. As an external actor, the role of China gains importance in Ethiopia in the context of the New Silk Road economic engagement in the African Continent.

Is Europe going cold on Chinese infrastructure investment?

Is Europe going cold on Chinese infrastructure investment? REDEFINE will examine what China’s rise means for how we understand global development and, specifically, Europe’s place in it. REDEFINE aims to use the insights from international development to interrogate Chinese engagement in the heart of Europe and, by doing so, reorient the Eurocentric debates in the social sciences around how we define and delimit development, who drives these processes and what it means for societies and communities affected by such investments.

China’s State-Business Relationship with Nigeria: Neocolonialism or Strategic Cooperation

By comparing the colonial era under the British colonization and Chinese presence in Nigeria, this study challenges the so-called “neo-colonialism” regarding Chinese activities in Nigeria and argues that China and Nigeria have a strategic cooperation which pursues each political and economic benefits through analyzing China’s state-business relationship with Nigeria. Regarding studying China–Africa relationship, this study emphasizes to focus on specific African countries’ domestic history, social development, and political and economic institutions. The paper contributes to the existing literature by involving the study on Nigeria’s domestic political situations and social institutions and how these link with Chinese engagement in Nigeria.

The limits of mutual benefit: A neo-mercantilist perspective on China’s economic relations with Nigeria

ABSTRACT What is the best term to describe China’s global geo-economic strategy? This article posits that neo-mercantilism accurately describes China’s global geo-economic strategy. Neo-mercantilism, which has a long history in Chinese thought, is a strategy of state-building that combines liberal and protectionist means to enhance the relative position of the state and its political elite. In contrast to mercantilism, this strategy is not exclusively zero-sum in that it also facilitates the selective developmental needs of targeted states. However, the actual relative gains made by a neo-mercantilist power are larger than those of the target state. Nigeria is a regional economic powerhouse with large natural-resource rents and extensive development needs, making it a prime destination for Chinese neo-mercantilist engagement. While Chinese engagement serves some of the immediate developmental needs of Nigeria, the bottom line is that China gains considerably more from its engagement with Nigeria than vice versa.

Chinese Engagement in Sub Saharan African Economies: A Case of Tanzanian Economy

Chinese Engagement in Sub Saharan African Economies: A Case of Tanzanian Economy

On the Unequal Exchange in China’s Economic Partnership with Africa

ABSTRACT China’s economic engagement with Africa has expanded significantly in recent years. While some scholars highlight the engagement as critical for sustainable development in Africa, others argue that the rules of engagement tend to favor China and encourage unequal economic exchange. This article weighs into the discussion on unequal economic exchange. It uses international trade data from 1995 to 2015 to estimate the amount of unequal economic exchange in China’s trade with Africa. The estimate is based on a simple method that applies an exchange rate deviation factor to the trade flows between China and Africa, and further adjusts for the difference in labor productivity between the two trading regions. Results show significant unrecorded transfers of value from Africa to China, amounting to 2.5% of the total gross domestic product of African countries during the sample period. The article suggests several policy strategies to improve Chinese engagement with Africa and reinforce the continent’s progress towards sustainable development. In addition, the article provides a theoretical and empirical framework that can be useful for analyzing Africa’s trade engagement, not only with China, but with other regions of the world as well.

Beyond Labourer’s Love: Rethinking Early Chinese Film Comedy

Abstract This article examines three lost short comedies produced alongside Labourer’s Love by the Mingxing Film Studio in 1922: The King of Comedy Visits Shanghai (Huaji dawang you hu ji), Havoc in a Bizarre Theatre (Danao guai xichang), and The Naughty Kid (Wantong). I propose to look beyond the extant Labourer’s Love and instead to delve into the broader intertextual, intermedial fabric of early film comedy for a re-evaluation of this neglected genre. Drawing on advertising texts, stills, and film reviews, this study corrects misinformation and supplements new data, based on which I posit two notions for a reconceptualization of early Chinese comedy film. First, I propose the Chinese concept of renao (“hot noise”) as a particular sensorial-somatic mode of experience to account for the Chinese engagement with film comedy in the tumultuous 1920s. Second, I borrow the Chinese poetic device of allusion to interpret their widespread references to Hollywood films in structural, narrative, and visual terms. Through the prism of allusion, the appropriation and re-production of Hollywood elements can be regarded as a means of adding authority to inchoate Chinese filmmaking, while at the same time complicating familiar topoi, symbols, and imageries in culturally sensitive ways.

From ‘debt diplomacy’ to donorship? China’s changing role in global development

Since the mid-1990s the Chinese state and the country’s businesses have significantly increased their activity throughout the Global South. In International Development, China’s impacts on this varied meta-region have generated substantial interest in recent years due to their scale, scope and distinctive nature. Understandably, given the complexity of the subject, most analyses have focused on discrete aspects of Chinese engagement rather than attempting to undertake more comprehensive assessments around its nature and evolution. This article engages this lacuna by identifying the main vectors of China’s engagement in the Global South, and examining their adaptive nature. In particular it identifies the main channels of impact and intersection before focusing on China’s signature foreign economic policy, the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), to ground the analysis. The article then examines the ways in which China is reconfiguring its foreign economic diplomacy in response to the issue of infrastructure-linked debt – perhaps the most controversial aspect of China’s growing global presence. We demonstrate that the Chinese ‘development’ policy is currently undergoing a substantial reorganisation towards soft power initiatives in response to (geo)political backlashes arising from the previous implementation of the BRI and the risks such loans present to the Chinese economy. We characterise this as an attempt at ‘normalisation’ of China as a ‘donor’, suggesting the power of global public opinion despite the ‘omni-channel politics’ and other power resources the country can bring to bear.