China and the Harmonious World - Essay Example

? CHINA AND THE HARMONIOUS WORLD (school) Can the Chinese Concept of a ‘harmonious world’ be reconciled with the normative principles informing the Charter of the United Nations? Are we witnessing the re-emergence of the ‘Middle Kingdom’ or is the idea of ‘harmony’ consistent with international law? Introduction China has had a long history of being a reclusive country, of not actually allowing itself to be drawn in with other countries in terms of international cooperation, foreign relations, and multi-country trade agreements. Its policy has been mostly about non-interference. Related to such concept is its long history of violence, seen with the violent overthrows of various regimes and dynasties. In recent years however, China has eased up on its reclusive closed-door policies and has now become more open to trade agreements with other countries. Its history of violence has also been reduced and ‘harmonious’ principles have now been seeking implementation in its governance and policies. Its concept of a harmonious world has been evaluated by various scholars and analysts, and these concepts have often been deemed either similar or dissimilar to international principles as set forth by the United Nations. A more thorough assessment of this subject matter shall now be considered in this paper. This paper shall consider whether or not the Chinese concept of a ‘harmonious world’ can be reconciled with the normative principles informing the Charter of the United Nations. It shall establish whether or not we are witnessing the re-emergence of the ‘Middle Kingdom’ and if the idea of ‘harmony’ is consistent with international law. This paper is being carried out in order to establish a clear and comprehensive understanding of these queries in line with the current policies being set forth in China, as well as the global standards seen in the international scene. Discussion In a discussion by Zheng and Tok (2007, p. 4), the authors discussed that the policy of a ‘harmonious society’ in China is in line with its policy on a ‘harmonious world’. This policy has largely defined the term of Hu Jintao as Party Secretary of the Chinese Communist Party (CPP) and the State President of China. Before such policy was set forth, China was deep inside its reclusive policies. However in a more thorough recognition of the need to implement changes in China, changes were soon set forth in its policies. Changes were first seen with Deng in 1978 when he distanced himself from Mao Zedong’s revolutionary plans and slowly redirected the nation towards the reform and open door policy (Zheng and Tok, 2007, p. 4). Deng believed that it was time for China to consider foreign participation in its economy. The policies Deng set forth were very much domestically-based; and in planning the economic progress of China during the 1980s and 1990s, it was with the clear understanding that China was only a minor player in the global community (Zheng and Tok, 2007, p. 4). In 1980, Deng recommended his peace and development theory which basically argued that the issues which China was encountering were actually issues involving its North and South divide, not so much the East and Western disparities. In effect, Deng claimed that China was not in a war with the West, instead, it was endangered by its lack of economic development (Zheng and Tok, 2007, p. 4). The Tiananmen Square massacre and the end of the Cold War brought about a powerful challenge to China’s economic progress in the early 1990s. China was forced to avoid the pitfalls of fighting the post-Cold War politics and instead, keep a low profile and away from international attention (Zheng and Tok, 2007, p. 5). Nevertheless, Deng believed that it was important for China to be involved in foreign interests until such time that its economic development would eventually improve the nation’s wealth. These foreign policies were however changed under Jiang Zemin’s term. Jiang took on a more aggressive participation in economic trade reforms in the country, and China started to move towards the direction of the successful economic power it is today (Zheng and Tok, 2007, p. 5). With these improvements, changes in its foreign policies are now again being considered. Jiang considered a China which was being geared with the world and one which was developed as a comprehensive power. These thoughts were now being considered in line with China’s economic activities (Whewell, 2009). Beijing also increased its participation in international organizations, becoming a signatory of various international organizations, including the UN and the WTO. It has also involved itself in peacekeeping activities with its deployment of about 698 service personnel in 15 overseas missions (PLA Daily, 2004). These efforts have been welcomed by the international community. When Hu took over in 2002, China became one of the strongest economies in the world. It continued to grow in the years which followed and national confidence grew to staggering heights (Shujie and Minjia, 2007, p. 5). However, some challenges were still apparent in China as Hu confronted a disparate society with regional disparities, a frayed social and welfare system, as well as high rates of unemployment, increasing environmental concerns, and poverty. It was also confronted with international terrorism and significant trade disparities. China’s leaders note however that the fast pace of its economic development has led to the failed progress in the cohesive society which it has been trying to hope for; in fact, fragmentation in its society has emerged as the country has started to gain economic progress (Zheng and Tok, 2007, p. 8). Hu’s pro-people policy gave some hope to the people as they saw his policies being geared towards free press and a tolerant political system. The CCP’s legitimacy was in balance during Hu’s initial years in power. And the prevalence of various issues in China prompted issues raised about the CCP’s ability to govern; the people started to take issue with what they saw as widespread corruption and misconduct among government officials (Sole-Farras, 2008, p. 14). Hu was then prompted to review the issues outside the usual framework of economic development. The policy of harmonious society came about in order to define the direction of Hu in China’s leadership. This direction in leadership sets forth three purposes: “it offers an ideational platform that articulates Hu’s policy vision. Second, ‘harmonious society’ is a ‘mainstream’ discourse that effectively stems from alternative policy discourse…Third, it is part of an ongoing legacy building process, both for Hu as well as for the CPP” (Zheng and Tok, 2007, pp. 8-9). In the international front, China’s policy was translated to the harmonious world policy. This policy was implemented at a time when China’s ideas on peaceful development failed to impact on international relations. And still China’s circumstances have not significantly changed because it still needed a peaceful society in order to pursue domestic progress (Zheng and Tok, 2007, p. 9). Even as it has been improving its sustainability, improving its economic wellbeing is still its leaders’ priority (Zheng and Tok, 2007, p. 9). This would however be difficult to pursue without the support of the international environment. China therefore needs to seek another means to express its international policies. The harmonious world is an appropriate policy which is not so much in line with the peaceful rise policy. In further reviewing China’s policies, it is appropriate to note that Beijing is actually trying to combine its internal and external policies in order to ensure that its global behavior is an extension of its domestic policies. On a deeper level however, the harmonious society has a more significant implication. It implies that China is seeking to discard its reluctant attitude in participating in international affairs. China’s current policy of seeking more international participation is confined to economic and cultural relations. It has become more cautions however in attracting international attention by working within the standards set by the UN and its regional cooperation networks. Through increased foreign reserves and with the stronger influence of Chinese brands, China is set to progress to a greater economic influence abroad (Delury, 2008, p. 35). In order to achieve such progress, Chinese industries and companies have been encouraged to consider operations in global markets. The country has also considered offering soft loans to developing nations, especially those with rich resources. China’s more open policy has also included the promotion of its culture as part of its harmonious world policy (Hao, n.d, p. 51). In terms of policies, we have seen a glimpse of such move with the establishment of Confucius Institutes around the world. These institutes have also focused on promoting and improving the global understanding of their culture with the establishment of language learning institutes. The harmonious society and world policy of China has become a fixed and powerful policy throughout the country. There are two sides which are seeking to evaluate China’s harmonious world policy. On one hand, leftists are very wary of the harmonious world policy, primarily because of its globalization themes. On the other hand, the rightists are more supportive of this harmonious world because they favor globalization. These rightists in effect, “favor a strong state that is founded on the ideology of democratic socialism, and strongly propound the acceleration of political and democratic reforms, greater social participation and government innovation” (Zheng and Tok, 2007, p. 11). In effect, when political changes and the principles of democracy are implemented, a harmonious society can be achieved. The primary goals of Confucius were to “educate people to be self-motivated and self-controlled, and to enable people to assume their responsibilities, which would, in turn, cultivate a better self and a harmonious society” (Center for Youth, n.d, p. 3). In order for this Confucian thinking to manifest in the form of a harmonious world, there are different types of governance which must be considered. The United Nations system of governance considers the treaties and conventions. It was established in order to secure global peace and security and secure harmonious relations among nations, as well as protect human rights (United Nations, 2009). In considering global governance, Weiss (2009, p. 257) pointed out that global governance is a valuable tool which helps understand what is happening to the world; it includes coordinated efforts to understand the global issues which are beyond the capacity of individual states to resolve (Weiss, 2009, p. 257). Global governance may therefore be a tool which the world may inevitably need in order to ensure the harmonious world which would inevitably resolve various global issues. The initial stage of the concept of the harmonious world seems to advocate it as a Confucian take on multicultural global governance which may, in turn, be the initial stages of other unborn possibilities (Dellios, 2009, p. 6). The concept of the harmonious world which supports itself under multicultural global governance is very much in keeping with the goals of the UN. It is in the concept of the multicultural global context where China includes the values of Confucius in relation to the “prevailing quest for a stable, peaceful and cooperative system that privileges diplomacy over militarism, multilateral institutionalism over power politics, as well as a global ethic” (Dellios, 2009, p. 6). The harmonious world also proposes a viable approach in coping with peace and order issues in the globalized world; this is a much better context than the democratic ideals which is being supported by various nation-states. The harmonious world ideal is still a diverse concept among those who do not think within the Confucius ideals. For China, it still needs to establish a more multicultural society and relationship with other countries in order to achieve the Confucian and the harmonious world ideals. In 2005, when Hu Jintao declared his concept of the harmonious world during the 60th anniversary of the United Nations, it was also a means of lending legitimacy to the declaration, a way of setting forth that the harmonious world is very much in line with the UN’s concept of global cooperation (Dellios, 2009, p. 7). This clarifies the ideal of global governance and firmly supports the concept of the harmonious world as more than just another idealistic catchphrase about world peace and international cooperation. In order to make this harmonious world an even more concrete concept, Hu Jintao outlines his four-point plan or policy, a plan which basically sets forth how sustainable peace needs the aid of harmony based on Confucian ideals (Dellios, 2009, p. 7). First he speaks of multilateralism which is important in ensuring security under the principles of the UN. He further speaks of the need to discard the Cold War principles and instead establish activities which work for the mutual benefit of various countries. Hu further emphasizes how the role of the UN must be strengthened, not weakened (Xinhua News Agency, 2005). Secondly, he highlights the importance of a mutually beneficial cooperation which can help secure common progress. Hu sets forth this second policy by declaring that there is a need for nations to work actively in order to secure multilateral trading, one which is non-discriminatory (as cited by Xinhua News Agency, 2005). He also mentions that there is a need to improve worldwide energy dialogue and cooperation in order to improve global security and economic stability. The third policy in Hu’s four-point plan is on inclusiveness – where all civilizations relate harmoniously with each other (Dellios, 2009, p. 7). In this regard, he mentions the importance of all nations making a solid effort towards preserving the plurality of civilizations in the light of equality, helping ensure that international cooperation is secure and that all civilizations accommodate one another (Xinhua News Agency, 2005). The fourth policy in Hu’s plan is on UN reform. Hu emphasizes that the UN needs to secure its authority and to come up with new and better ways to meet the new threats and challenges to global peace and security. He suggests a gradual change, one which starts with the easier activities first and gradually moving on to the more difficult tasks (Dellios, 2009, p. 7). In considering the above plans as laid out by Hu Jintao, it is logical to point out that the harmonious world concept of China is very much in line with the UN principles. Even as various analysts claim that China’s emphasis on UN multilateralism is a self-serving strategy against US hegemony, this argument has already become passe. The UN is in fact not anymore an inutile organization which seeks to delay the exercise of US power; in fact it even enriches US influence (Weiss, 2009, p. 256). The concept of the harmonious world is from a Chinese ideal, as influenced by Confucianism as well as other schools of thought; and yet, in its very core, it is also a global concept as supported by the ideals of the UN Charter. In the international scene China’s political authorities are trying their best to promote the ideals of China on harmony; they are also trying to ensure that China communicates with its partners on common issues, to resolve them peacefully and improve the global economy (Xiao, 2009, p. 4). China is gradually expressing its various ideas in a practical way which is in an agreeable tone for other countries to consider. In order to further support its harmonious world plan, it has set up talks with the US, Japan, and the EU (Xiao, 2009, p. 4). These actions which are in accordance with its harmonious world and society plans are very much in line with the UN Charter and principles. As the UN has sought harmonious relations between nations, China too has sought to secure such relations. In line with its harmonious society and world goals, China has cancelled a total debt of about 24.7 billion RMB to about 40 developing nations in Asia and Africa (Xiao, 2009, p. 5). It has also secured zero-tariff rate agreements with other countries. It has also trained various medical professionals sent to Africa to help with anti-malaria campaign; and free aid has also been sent to or lined up in favor of Africa (Xiao, 2009, p. 5). It is vital to understand China and the context of its application of its policies and principles. Firstly, in terms of its culture, its culture has been created as a shared culture of about 50 ethnic groups. Its nationalism is the main power behind its foreign policy principles (Xiao, 2009, p. 6). In the current age of globalization, China is struggling to develop its historical culture and the Confucianism ideals seem to be making a comeback in this current age of globalization. Moreover, the modern principles of civic education are now part of its school curriculum (Xiao, 2009, p. 6). Its hosting of the Olympic Games also reflects its conscious efforts towards improving its living standards, and its philosophy “which stresses that an individual realizes self-value in a collective atmosphere, was shining rather than overshadowed during the Olympics” (Xiao, 2009, pp. 8-9). It was expressing itself as a unique and solid culture, one which would not buckle under Western influence. In relation to security, various countries around the world are considering China’s rise to power and many of them are also acknowledging China becoming the new superpower. They are even worried about China’s military powers and what China would likely do when its security would be threatened (Xiao, 2009, p. 10). However, in considering the actual actions of China, it has always applied a defensive, rather than an offensive strategy in terms of security. Moreover, its military powers have always been geared towards protecting its sovereignty and territorial integrity (Xiao, 2009, p. 9). As China is now seeking peaceful development, China has cooperated with UN military budget transparency measures; it has also committed itself to improving mutual trust in the military in relation to other states (Xiao, 2009, p. 10). As a permanent member of the UN Security Council, its position on the UN role in international security has always been constant – on ensuring multilateral dialogue and securing stability for mankind. China’s participation in the UN peacekeeping activities clearly illustrates its support for the UN, and illustrates its fulfillment of the roles of a responsible country (Xiao, 2009, p. 10). As a country which is part of the larger region which is Asia, it also plays host to multilateral treaties; and it has not forsaken its role as an influential state in these negotiations. As a sovereign state, it has not sent any of its military troops abroad as part of its exercise of military powers. In understanding these aspects of China, it is clear to see that it is very much acting in accordance with the principle of the United Nations. Conclusion The Chinese concept of a harmonious world can easily be reconciled with the normative principles of the charter of the United Nations. The harmonious world concept is very much tied in with the multicultural society and the more peaceful resolution of conflicts. In its very essence, these are the very principles which underscore the UN existence and Charter. Although China has often adopted a reclusive policy in terms of international relations and trade, its actions in relation to keeping the harmony in its corner of the world and in its foreign relations have been more or less supported by its government and political policies. It may not be a country which blatantly expresses its support for international security and world peace, but it is a country which is doing its share in ensuring that such security and peace would be protected. Much of the principles behind the harmonious world policy and plan can be found in the UN Charter and in the very spirit of the United Nations as an organization. Works Cited Center for Youth, (n.d) Confucianism, viewed 29 July 2011 from http://www.centerforyouth.org/files/PDF%20files/Religion%20pages/Confucianism%20information.pdf Dellios, R. (2009), China’s harmonious world (hexie shijie) policy perspective: How Confucian values are entering international society, The current mission of Confucianism, Beijing, People's Republic of China Delury, John, (2008), Harmonious’ in China, Policy Review, pp. 35-44. Hao, S. (n.d), Harmonious World: The Conceived International Order in Framework of China’s Foreign Affairs, National Institute for Defense Studies, viewed 29 July 2011 from http://www.nids.go.jp/english/publication/joint_research/series3/pdf/3-2.pdf PLA Daily, (2004), China’s Participation in UN Peacekeeping Operations, PLA Daily, viewed 29 August 2011 from http://english.pladaily.com.cn/site2/specialreports/200409/13/content_12891.htm Shujie Yao & Minjia Chen, (2007), Chinese Economy in 2006: a High Growth Path Towards a “Harmonious Society”, Briefing Series Issue 18, China Policy Institute Sole-Farras, Jesus, (2008), Harmony in Contemporary New Confucianism and in Socialism with Chinese Characteristics, China Media Research, volume 4(4), pp. 14-24. Xiao Jialing, (2009), China and the World: How to Live Harmoniously? Graduate Institute, viewed 29 July 2011 from http://graduateinstitute.ch/webdav/site/cas/shared/occ_papers/OP29_2_.pdf Xinhua News Agency, (2005), Hu Makes 4-point Proposal for Building Harmonious World, China.org, viewed 29 July 2011 from http://www.china.org.cn/english/features/UN/142408.htm United Nations (2009), Image & Reality, UN Website, viewed 29 July 2011 from http://www.un.org/geninfo/ir/index.asp Weiss, Thomas G., (2009), What Happened to the Idea of World Government,” International Studies Quarterly, volume 53(2), pp. 253-271. Zheng, Y. & Tok, S. (2007), Harmonious society and harmonious world: China’s policy discourse under Hu Jintao, China Policy Institute, viewed 29 July 2011 from http://www.nottingham.ac.uk/cpi/documents/briefings/briefing-26-harmonious-society-and-harmonious-world.pdf Read More