Advantages and Disadvantages of the International System as a Level of Analy sis 127For CritiCal analy sis- Why does China have an interest in
sustaining the con temporary international
system, even if it does not dominate it? - Constructivists argue that changes in norms
lead to system change. Has China internal-
ized new norms? Or is it merely acting in its
own self- interest, as realists would argue? - How would an offensive realist react to
China’s explanation of its role in the
international system? - China has consistently argued in favor of
sovereignty and non interference in the
domestic affairs of states. How does this
position support China’s international role?
are finding Africa fertile territory. Whereas the
West colonized these lands and often stripped
them of their resource wealth, China seeks a
peaceful, mutually beneficial relationship.
China does not interfere in the domestic
affairs of other states or impose unwanted
conditions on issues that are within the state’s
own responsibility.
Like all great powers, China has increased
its military expenditures, although the United
States spends six times more on defense than
China spends. China will continue to mod-
ernize its nuclear forces and strengthen its
second- strike abilities. It will develop cyber-
warfare capabilities. But the threat posed by
these advances may have been exaggerated
by Western observers.
China has so far chosen not to use its mili-
tary capabilities. Nor has China fought to
expand its territory. But China will defend its
national interest consistent with the One-
China policy: the view that Tibet, Taiwan, and
the islands in the South China Seas including
Diaoyu are part of China. Since 2014, China
has undertaken a new policy of dredging thou-
sands of metric tons of sand onto coral reefs
to create artificial islands in the Spratly Island
group to strengthen its territorial claims. China
will continue to oppose the designs of neigh-
boring states, who consistently refute those
claims.
China is building the capacity— mainly naval
capacity—to deploy armed forces further and
further abroad. China argues that as a global
power with global interests— including eco-
nomic development proj ects in Africa— its
armed forces will need to be able to reach
Chinese citizens when they are stranded or
threatened abroad. Unlike its principal rival,
China has not openly exercised its financial
power, except to support regional and global
economic stability. China has acted responsi-
bly to try to solve major international issues
like the North Korea nuclear standoff. ChinaChina financed the construction of this stadium in
Ndola, Zambia.has benefited from the international order of
the last de cades and is committed to a stable
continuation of that order. And like other
powers, China is now exercising its soft
power. Over 440 Confucius Institutes have
been established in almost 100 countries
to promote Chinese language, culture, and
exchanges.ESSIR7_CH04_106_131_11P.indd 127 6/14/16 10:05 AM