Is The Developing World Under China’s Manipulative Tactics?

Hanoi’s backing of China’s “community of shared destiny” pleased Beijing during President Xi Jinping’s visit. China seeks a post-American world order, banking on public goods like $1 trillion in loans, despite the ambitious yet vague nature of Xi’s vision.

Under Xi’s leadership, China has bolstered existing Sino-centric organizations like SCO, BRICS, and CICA, while introducing new initiatives such as GSI, GCI, and GDI in the past three years, expanding its global influence.

Many of China’s programs may attract the global south, but it’s uncertain if these nations truly desire a post-American future, particularly one dominated by Beijing. China’s multilateralism vision masks its hegemonic ambitions, rather than representing a genuine goal.

Helming Global Power Shifts: China’s Alternative Vision

The U.S.-led system is fracturing, with G-7 GDP declining to about 30% of global GDP, similar to BRICS. China promotes “democratic multilateralism,” prioritizing economic-centered human rights while offering its state-driven development model as an alternative.

US & China, the two superpowers

China’s rise challenges U.S. leadership, but its initiatives lack concrete achievements. In crises like Kazakhstan or Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Beijing’s involvement has been limited, with Russia taking decisive action instead of the SCO.

Despite Xi’s assertiveness, there’s a lack of demand for Beijing’s leadership, with many global southern countries opting for multi-alignment. China’s actions, like in the South China Sea and coercion of neighbors, have strengthened U.S. alliances and spurred intra-Asian cooperation.

China’s President Xi Jinping (credit: Christian Marquardt/Getty Images)

China’s global economic footprint remains significant despite economic challenges but faces skepticism from the global south. Issues like debt concerns over the Belt and Road Initiative and sovereignty disputes contribute to negative perceptions.

Global Security Initiative

Beijing claims that its Global Security Initiative (GSI) has garnered “support and appreciation” from over 100 countries. Beijing emphasizes respecting sovereignty, cooperative security, upholding the UN Charter, and resolving disputes through dialogue.

China’s Global Security Initiative: Promoting Collaboration over Alliances and Communication over Conflict (credit: Indo-Pacific Defence Forum)

The GSI is a modern rendition of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, a cornerstone of China’s foreign policy since Zhou Enlai introduced them in 1954 after the Sino-Indian Agreement.

Xi’s initiatives offer apparent benefits with minimal costs, but some nations benefit more than others. Despite aspirations to challenge U.S. power, Beijing lacks the security provision capacity, and countries under U.S. protection may criticize it but do not seek its elimination.

China’s President Xi Jinping Launches Global Security Initiative (Credit: Africa-China Centre for Policy & Advisory)

In theory, principles like nonaggression and sovereignty protect small states, but China’s evolving noninterference policy, seen in its silence on Russia’s actions and economic coercion against critics, reflects its interests over principles.

Jyotsana Chaudhary
Jyotsana Chaudhary
Jyotsana Chaudhary is a non-conforming soul, driven by a love for research, exploration, and crafting distinctive written works. With an insatiable thirst for knowledge, she dives deep into diverse subjects, challenging norms and seeking enlightenment. Her passion for exploration transcends physical boundaries, leading her to uncover hidden gems in both the world and the mind. Through her unique writing, she weaves intricate narratives that provoke thought and ignite imagination. In nature, art, and introspection, she finds solace and inspiration. Guided by curiosity and a desire for self-expression, she carve a path marked by intellectual curiosity, adventurous spirit, and creative brilliance.
Subscribe
Notify of
guest
0 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
0
Would love your thoughts, please comment.x
()
x