China
Navigating around the Chinese hegemon
Author: Xiang Gao, University of New England
How a rising China will integrate itself with the global economic and political order is a salient issue in world politics. On the one hand, China’s rejection of the South China Sea arbitration, its efforts to isolate Taiwan internationally and its willingness to work with controversial leadership in developing states indicate a more assertive ‘China First’ foreign policy. On the other hand, it is evident that China is engaging in significant multilateral and normative actions.
China’s rapid economic growth since 1978 has been accompanied by an increased involvement in global and regional governance. As of 2018, China is an active member of 65 international organisations, has ratified or signed over 220 international treaties and has implemented a significant amount of international obligations and laws into its domestic legal system.
Along with this international engagement, China is developing a ‘responsible power diplomacy’ — creating political discourse around ‘China’s peaceful rise’ and China’s intention to build a ‘harmonious world’. These initiatives seek to displace China’s old image of a ‘hegemon on the horizon’ with the new image of a responsible and cooperative great power that is fully committed to international norms and a rule-based international order.
The notion of a responsible and cooperative great power does not exclude a state from pursuing its national interest. Rather, the normative environment and interactions in the international community impacts the determination of national interests. These norms tend to reinforce policies that provide international public goods (such as security) or facilitate a redefinition of national interest away from the traditional values of absolute state sovereignty and non-interference to include such things as a commitment to institution building and international human rights. Being a responsible and cooperative great power carries with it the notion that the ability to attain foreign policy objectives short of violence and coercion are dependent on shared norms and values.
International values are often ignored in ‘high politics’ concerning national and international security. Yet it is evident that the international community is saturated in these norms and that they have been internalised by national policymakers. For example, states may pursue certain foreign policies that have little if any material reward. Canada is a ‘helpful fixer’ participating in UN peacekeeping missions and South Africa (before the setback of Jacob Zuma) was a ‘beacon of human rights’.
From this perspective, a review of a range of foreign policies suggests that Chinese policymakers have internalised a set of international norms in some areas even as the Chinese state has vigorously pursued unilateral foreign policy objectives.
First, it has increasingly described itself as a ‘responsible power’ that supports and ascribes to international norms. Various UN Security Council votes or abstentions, such as in the 2011 Libyan intervention and collective anti-piracy support in the Indian Ocean, suggest the impact of normative collective values.
Second, it has specifically incorporated and ‘localised’ various international laws and values into its domestic system. For example, after signing the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, China passed a new mental health law in 2013 that greatly expanded the legal protection of mentally ill persons in committal procedures and treatment protocols.
These localisation measures can be used to garner good will and global leadership opportunities. As China actively seeks to incorporate biodiversity and climate change planning into its domestic law with its development of the China Business and Biodiversity Partnership, it has championed itself as a global leader in these areas. In 2020, China will hold the 15th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity.
But serious challenges remain. China’s bilateral approach to the South China Sea, increasing strategic reach, and the current disputes over international trade and investment suggest that material national interests rather than normative values may dominate Chinese foreign policy as much as many other great powers.
The international values of sovereign rights and non-interference norms are sometimes used to insulate China from criticism of foreign investment in the developing world. Similarly, China is very cautious of humanitarian intervention and…
Business
Gordonstoun Severs Connections with Business Led by Individual Accused of Espionage for China
Gordonstoun school severed ties with Hampton Group over espionage allegations against chairman Yang Tengbo. He denies involvement and claims to be a victim of political tensions between the UK and China.
Allegations Lead to School’s Decision
Gordonstoun School in Moray has cut ties with Hampton Group International after serious allegations surfaced regarding its chairman, Yang Tengbo, who is accused of being a spy for the Chinese government. Known by the alias "H6," Mr. Tengbo was involved in a deal that aimed to establish five new schools in China affiliated with Gordonstoun. However, the recent allegations compelled the school to terminate their agreement.
Public Denial and Legal Action
In response to the spying claims, Mr. Tengbo publicly revealed his identity, asserting that he has committed no wrongdoing. A close associate of Prince Andrew and a former Gordonstoun student himself, Mr. Tengbo has strenuously denied the accusations, stating that he is a target of the escalating tensions between the UK and China. He has claimed that his mistreatment is politically motivated.
Immigration Challenges and Legal Responses
Yang Tengbo, also known as Chris Yang, has faced additional challenges regarding his immigration status in the UK. After losing an appeal against a ban enacted last year, he reiterated his innocence, condemning media speculation while emphasizing his commitment to clear his name. Gordonstoun, on its part, stated its inability to divulge further details due to legal constraints.
Source : Gordonstoun cuts ties with business chaired by man accused of spying for China
Business
China Dismantles Prominent Uyghur Business Landmark in Xinjiang – Shia Waves
The Chinese government demolished the Rebiya Kadeer Trade Center in Xinjiang, affecting Uyghur culture and commerce, prompting criticism from activists amid concerns over cultural erasure and human rights violations.
Demolition of a Cultural Landmark
The Chinese government recently demolished the Rebiya Kadeer Trade Center in Urumqi, Xinjiang, a vital hub for Uyghur culture and commerce, as reported by VOA. This center, once inhabited by more than 800 predominantly Uyghur-owned businesses, has been deserted since 2009. Authorities forcibly ordered local business owners to vacate the premises before proceeding with the demolition, which took place without any public notice.
Condemnation from Activists
Uyghur rights activists have condemned this demolition, perceiving it as part of China’s broader strategy to undermine Uyghur identity and heritage. The event has sparked heightened international concern regarding China’s policies in Xinjiang, which have been characterized by allegations of mass detentions and cultural suppression, prompting claims of crimes against humanity.
Rebiya Kadeer’s Response
Rebiya Kadeer, the center’s namesake and a notable Uyghur rights advocate, criticized the demolition as a deliberate attempt to erase her legacy. Kadeer, who has been living in exile in the U.S. since her release from imprisonment in 2005, continues to advocate for Uyghur rights. She has expressed that her family members have suffered persecution due to her activism, while the Chinese government has yet to comment on the legal ramifications of the demolition.
Source : China Demolishes Uyghur Business Landmark in Xinjiang – Shia Waves
China
China Expands Nationwide Private Pension Scheme After Two-Year Pilot Program
China’s private pension scheme, previously piloted in 36 cities, will roll out nationwide on December 15, 2024, enabling workers to open tax-deferred accounts. The initiative aims to enhance retirement savings, address aging population challenges, and stimulate financial sector growth.
After a two-year pilot program, China has officially expanded its private pension scheme nationwide. Starting December 15, 2024, workers covered by urban employee basic pension insurance or urban-rural resident basic pension insurance across the country can participate in this supplementary pension scheme. This nationwide rollout represents a significant milestone in China’s efforts to build a comprehensive pension system, addressing the challenges of a rapidly aging population.
On December 12, 2024, the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security, together with four other departments including the Ministry of Finance, the State Taxation Administration, the Financial Regulatory Administration, and the China Securities Regulatory Commission, announced the nationwide implementation of China’s private pension scheme effective December 15, 2024. The initiative extends eligibility to all workers enrolled in urban employee basic pension insurance or urban-rural resident basic pension insurance.
A notable development is the expansion of tax incentives for private pensions, previously limited to pilot cities, to a national scale. Participants can now enjoy these benefits across China, with government agencies collaborating to ensure seamless implementation and to encourage broad participation through these enhanced incentives.
China first introduced its private pension scheme in November 2022 as a pilot program covering 36 cities and regions, including major hubs like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Xi’an, and Chengdu. Under the program, individuals were allowed to open tax-deferred private pension accounts, contributing up to RMB 12,000 (approximately $1,654) annually to invest in a range of retirement products such as bank deposits, mutual funds, commercial pension insurance, and wealth management products.
Read more about China’s private pension pilot program launched two years ago: China Officially Launches New Private Pension Scheme – Who Can Take Part?
The nationwide implementation underscores the Chinese government’s commitment to addressing demographic challenges and promoting economic resilience. By providing tax advantages and expanding access, the scheme aims to incentivize long-term savings and foster greater participation in personal retirement planning.
The reform is expected to catalyze growth in China’s financial and insurance sectors while offering individuals a reliable mechanism to enhance their retirement security.
| This article was first published by China Briefing , which is produced by Dezan Shira & Associates. The firm assists foreign investors throughout Asia from offices across the world, including in in China, Hong Kong, Vietnam, Singapore, and India . Readers may write to info@dezshira.com for more support. |
Read the rest of the original article.
- Gordonstoun Severs Connections with Business Led by Individual Accused of Espionage for China
- China Dismantles Prominent Uyghur Business Landmark in Xinjiang – Shia Waves
- China Expands Nationwide Private Pension Scheme After Two-Year Pilot Program
- How a scandal over sanitary pads is shaping feminist activism in China
- Yakult Unveils Restructuring Plans for Its China Operations | ESM Magazine
- Italy’s Strategic Shift Towards China After Exiting the Belt and Road Initiative