China's evolving regional security strategy - China and the ASEAN regional forum

Abstract

This thesis explores Chinaa??s evolving security strategy through the case study of the changes in its position regarding the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) since the mid-1990s. Thus, the evolution of Chinaa??s involvement in the regional multilateral security cooperation over the years is examined. During the same period, there were similar changes in Chinaa??s position towards some other international organizations. All these changes reflect adjustment of Chinaa??s grand strategy. China has gradually learned to make use of multilateral regimes for its national interests. Multilateral diplomacy has now occupied a more important position in Chinaa??s strategic thinking than ever before.This study also demonstrates that the theory of realism, despite its utilities, has been weak in explaining Chinaa??s proactive behaviour in the ARF and its support for multilateralism. This study suggests a modified realist framework that is based on a??Chinese characteristicsa?? for reading Chinaa??s diplomacy and strategic thinking.