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Protecting China’s Overseas Interests: The Slow Shift away from Non-interference

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ISBN 978-91-85114-85-6
June 2014
€7.50

Non-interference is one of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence that is core to China’s foreign policy and to its self-image. But in a pragmatic and incremental adaptation to its globalizing economic and security interests, Chinese foreign policy is slowly shifting away from a strict interpretation of this principle. However, the debate on China’s overseas interests and noninterference is far from over. There is still a degree of uncertainty regarding whether China will continue on the path of pragmatic adaptation within the non-interference framework, and the degree of change in concrete policy outcomes that such an evolution would entail.

The authors show that the possibility of a dramatic policy change cannot be ruled out, as dramatic and unforeseen events could precipitate change. China’s foreign policy could also strictly remain within the boundaries of non-interference. Its ultimate strategic choice will certainly have far-reaching effects on global governance and international security.

 

About the authors

Oliver Bräuner (Germany) is a Researcher with SIPRI’s China and Global Security Project. His research interests include China–EU security relations and the protection of Chinese citizens in the Middle East.

Zhou Hang (China) is a Researcher with SIPRI’s China and Global Security Project. His research interests include Africa–China relations and maritime security.

Table of contents

1. Introduction



2. Chinese debates on non-interference



3. Protecting China’s energy interests overseas



4. Protecting Chinese nationals overseas



5. Conclusions

ABOUT THE AUTHOR(S)/EDITORS

Dr Mathieu Duchâtel was a Senior Researcher in SIPRI’s China and Global Security Project.