Rethinking East Asian Regional Order and China's Rise

Abstract

After the end of World War II, East Asia gradually formed what can be referred to as a quasi-anarchical regional order. The quasi-anarchy system is defined by the anarchy system associated with a sub-hierarchical system, so this system possesses the characteristics of both anarchy and hierarchy in terms of security relations among states. The states in a quasi-anarchical order can be differentiated into three types according to the method through which they seek security. They comprise that of self-help states, the state that provides security guarantees to client states (security guarantor), and states that receive security protection from the security guarantor (client states) within the quasi-anarchy. The standard security relationship between states consists of two types: the first is a competitive security relationship; the second is a security-dependent relationship. The quasi-anarchical order in East Asia has restricted the continuance and positive effect of a rising China's reassurance policy through three mechanisms: dependence, reliance on support, and imitation.

Asia Pacific Geopolitics: Us Strategies and Its Implications for China

“…Chinas started to rise as an influential player on global order in around 20 years back and have been facing the 'Rise Dilemma' since then, as the more she rises, she has to face with more external reluctance, from the other states, particularly the US allies, because it is to be perceived as the only power that could alter the contemporary unipolar world order. Due to this, she is trying to build and strengthen her relations, and cultivate partnerships with the other states on state-by-state approach (Sun, 2018;Xinbo, 2000;Xuefeng, 2013). China's BRI is the representation of China's grand strategy to alter the existing international order, by becoming 'Rule-Maker'  5 rather than 'Rule Braker' (Liu, 2021).…”