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Promoting Multilateralism or Searching for a New Hegemony: A Chinese Vision of Multipolarity
Author(s) -
Courmont Barthélémy
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
pacific focus
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.172
H-Index - 12
eISSN - 1976-5118
pISSN - 1225-4657
DOI - 10.1111/j.1976-5118.2012.01081.x
Subject(s) - multilateralism , beijing , hegemony , china , balance (ability) , power (physics) , order (exchange) , political science , political economy , politics , international trade , economic system , sociology , economics , law , medicine , physics , finance , quantum mechanics , physical medicine and rehabilitation
The rise of China and its bigger implications within the international system raise the questions of Beijing's vision of multipolarity. Alongside its growing economic power, China tries to address its own definition of the new world order by officially strongly promoting a multilateralism that makes China an important actor, but limits the responsibilities that come with such a status. At the same time, Beijing is keener to impose its views towards its partners, mostly in its vicinity, at the risk of being tempted by a new form of hegemony. This article explores the Chinese attitude in a multipolar world, and asserts that China's grand strategy is both pragmatic and proactive, by constantly keeping a balance between its opportunities and its duties.