After World War II, a set of principles referred to as the liberal international order set up the post-Cold War era. This order fosters freedom of trade, legal government, observation of human rights and use of world organisations for cooperation and settlement of disputes. It is a fundamental principle of democracy that elected representatives should govern for their voters. The fundamental freedoms prove that every individual’s life is meaningful and worthy of respect, and international trade contributes to mutual interdependence and wealth for all. The United Nations and the World Trade Organisation are two international organisations which serve as communication and group problem-solving forums. In other words, liberal international order is a framework aimed at fostering global peace, stability, and shared values.
China’s Rise in Global Influence
For many years, China has experienced fast and constant economic growth, which has helped it become the second-largest economy in the world after the United States (Weiss and Wallace, 2021). This has been made possible by robust industrialisation, deliberate emphasis on export-led development, and market-oriented reforms. According to Ogden (2022), China has geopolitically increased its power through programmes like the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which entails significant infrastructure development and investment in partner nations and improves its global connections.
Economic Practices and Trade Policies
China’s remarkable economic success has been primarily attributed to its economic policies and practises, although they also raise concerns about their compatibility with liberal economic principles (De Graaff et al., 2020). China’s economic model heavily relies on state involvement, with the government controlling important sectors and crucial enterprises. Even now, state-owned businesses (SOEs) have a big part to play (Johnston, 2019). They occasionally get preferred policies, subsidies, and assistance, which can be seen as going against the fundamentals of a free-market economy.
Another essential consideration is China’s stance on protectionism. Even though the nation has opened its markets to international trade and investment, worries about non-tariff obstacles, a lack of transparency, and uneven market access remain (De Graaff et al., 2020). According to Liu (2023), the deliberate application of industrial policies, like the “Made in China 2025” plan, has drawn criticism worldwide since it seems to favour home businesses at the expense of prospective foreign rivals.
Concerns around intellectual property are divisive. China has been accused of requiring technology transfer, using foreign ideas without authorisation, and providing insufficient protection and enforcement of intellectual property rights (Johnston, 2019). This raises doubts about supporting intellectual property rights and fostering an environment that promotes creativity and fair competition. According to Liu (2023), while it is undeniable that China’s economic policies have played a role in its development, they differ from the liberal economic norms such as robust protection of intellectual property, open markets and limited government intervention. China needs to continue leading the economy. It should also adapt its strategies to align with international standards. This alignment would help establish a fair global economic system.
Political System and Human Rights
Although China’s economic policies have contributed significantly to the country’s fast growth, they differ considerably from the tenets of classical liberal economies, such as sturdy intellectual rights protection, free trade, and small government intervention (Ogden, 2022). According to Liu (2023), China has to preserve its position as the world’s economic leader and maintain its economic policies in line with international rules to promote a more transparent and equal global economic system.
This policy of human rights has put China under international watch. The government policies have attracted criticism as they are believed to undermine personal liberties, particularly the freedom of assembly, association, and expression (De Graaff et al., 2020). Due to this, the robust media and internet regulations, the restrictions on civil society organisations, and the absence of dissenting opinions create doubts about the protection of fundamental rights.
China’s handling of minority groups has been criticised, especially the Uighur Muslims in Xinjiang. The human rights norms appear to have been violated through mass detentions, cultural assimilation programmes, and forced work (Ogden, 2022). For instance, the suppression of democratic movements in regions like Hong Kong indicates a conflict between the values of democracy and China’s internal policies that oppose both the right to self-determination and democratic ideals.
For example, the repression of democratic movements in places such as Hong Kong highlights a clash between the principles of democracy and human rights records from a global standpoint. The departure from liberal democratic ideals jeopardises international standards and sparks discussions about whether China’s governance style is consistent with more general human rights and democratic governance principles (Ogden, 2022). As China’s influence grows worldwide, it will continue to be essential to comprehend and resolve these difficulties to promote positive communication and collaboration.
Regional and Global Influence
China’s regional and global dynamics influence has been revolutionary, particularly with the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). This has sparked debates over how China’s activities may affect the liberal international system (Larson, 2022). In some regions previously dominated by the West, such as the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) – an extensive trans-continental infrastructure programme launched by China, their influence has grown (Johnston, 2019).
In this case, the Belt and Road Initiative would enhance connectivity and trade, leading to economic growth and prosperity among the participating states. Larson (2022) claims that the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) offers large infrastructure expenditures, such as ports, roads, and energy projects, to assist the growth of member nations. This economic activity aligns with certain liberal principles, such as promoting cooperation and interdependence across economies.
However, concerns have been raised about how the BRI would impact the liberal international order. Critics argue that China’s approach may subvert current norms because the project has been criticised for its lack of transparency, adherence to loose environmental standards, and encouragement of debt dependency among participating nations (Ogden, 2022). The BRI, according to others, is essentially economic statecraft—using economic dependence to acquire political and geopolitical power.
China’s increasing aggressiveness in the region, especially in the South China Sea There have also been discussions sparked by China’s heightened assertiveness in the area, particularly in the South China Sea, and its expanding sway over international bodies (Larson, 2022). Military deployments on disputed islands undermine law, free navigation, and peaceful resolution. Moreover, China’s assertiveness is growing inside the area, particularly in the South China Sea, and it is increasing influence in international forums (De Graaff et al., 2020).
Responses from the International Community
The international community has responded differently to China’s efforts on the international scene, expressing a complicated mix of competitiveness, collaboration, and worry (Larson, 2022). In the diplomatic, economic, and security spheres, different countries and international organisations’ opinions on China’s activities and reactions to them differ.
Diplomatic Relations
Numerous countries have diplomatic ties with China, acknowledging the importance of China’s economic significance and international cooperation (De Graaff et al., 2020). Other countries have treated The issue with caution based on fears of trade practices, territorial conflicts, and humanitarian concerns (Johnston, 2019). However, some have been forthright in their criticism, while others are between offering support and commenting.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the responses to China’s actions indicate a delicate balance between engagement gains and upholding liberal principles. Navigating these difficulties involves strategic diplomacy, multilateral cooperation, and a solid commitment to building a world order that embodies democracy, human rights, and fair economic practices. These dynamically changing factors will likely continue shaping international relations and the direction of the liberal international order.
One of the examples of its desire to influence economic growth and global connectivity is the Belt and Road initiative in China. However, its compliance with liberal economic principles is questioned in some respects, mainly through openness and fair competition. Hostility towards other countries was escalated by the liberal democratic ideals being tested by single-party politics and human rights issues.
Reference
De Graaff, N., Ten Brink, T. and Parmar, I., 2020. China’s rise in a liberal world order in transition–introduction to the FORUM. Review of International Political Economy, 27(2), pp.191-207.
Johnston, A.I., 2019. China in a world of orders: Rethinking compliance and challenge in Beijing’s international relations. International Security, 44(2), pp.9-60.
Larson, D.W., 2022. Is the liberal order on the way out? China’s rise, networks, and the liberal hegemon.
Liu, R. and Yang, S., 2023. China and the liberal international order: a pragmatic and dynamic approach. International Affairs, 99(4), pp.1383-1400.
Ogden, C., 2022. The Authoritarian Century: China’s Rise and the Demise of the Liberal International Order. Policy Press.
Weiss, J.C. and Wallace, J.L., 2021. Domestic politics, China’s rise, and the future of the liberal international order. International Organization, 75(2), pp.635-664.
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