Theory and Practice in China’s Approaches to Multilateralism and Critical Reflections on the Western ‘Rules-Based International Order’

Abstract

China is the subject of Western criticism for its supposed disregard of the rules-based international order. Such a charge implies that China is unilateralist. The aim in this study is to explain how China does in fact have a multilateral approach to international relations. China’s core idea of a community of shared future of humanity shows that it is aware of the need for a universal foundation for world order. The Research Report focuses on explaining the Chinese approach to multilateralism from its own internal perspective, with Chinese philosophy and history shaping its view of the nature of rules, rights, law, and of institutions which should shape relationships. A number of case studies show how the Chinese perspectives are implemented, such as with regards to development finance, infrastructure projects (especially the Belt and Road Initiative), shaping new international organisations (such as the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank), climate change, cyber-regulation and Chinese participation in the United Nations in the field of human rights and peacekeeping. Looking at critical Western opinion of this activity, we find speculation around Chinese motives. This is why a major emphasis is placed on a hermeneutic approach to China which explains how it sees its intentions. The heart of the Research Report is an exploration of the underlying Chinese philosophy of rulemaking, undertaken in a comparative perspective to show how far it resembles or differs from the Western philosophy of rulemaking.

Incompatible Strategic Cultures Limit Russian-Chinese Strategic Cooperation in the Arctic

“…China endeavours to promote legal and institutional frameworks that better reflect its views and ensure its interests. As the nation's political and diplomatic weight grows, it is easier for Beijing to win support for its suggestions and interpretations in institutions such as the bodies of the United Nations (see Carty & Gu, 2021;Gill, 2022, pp. 135-161).…”

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“…At the same time, China has become an active supporter of multilateralism (Carty and Gu 2021). China responded actively to the call of the G20 on the Debt Service Suspension Initiative (DSSI).…”

“…According to Ang (2016), the development of governance and markets is not sequential but 'co-evolutionary'. Manifestly, the Chinese experience and the BRI have influenced international thinking Carty and Gu 2021). In many OECD countries, including in the UK and the US, infrastructure maintenance and renewal and the challenges of the energy transition are frontline issues, with previously unimagined scaled-up financing.…”

Exploring China’s Impacts on Development Thinking and Policies

“…Manifestly, the Chinese experience and the BRI have influenced international thinking (Gu, Corbett and Leach 2019;Carty and Gu 2021). In many OECD countries, including in the UK and the US, infrastructure maintenance and renewal and the challenges of the energy transition are frontline issues, with previously unimagined scaled-up financing.…”