The Impact of the Rise of China on the Regional Security and Economy - Research Proposal Example

Student Name: Tutor: Title: The Rise of China Course: The impact of the rise of China on the regional security and economy in relations to the world Introduction and statement of research Problem China is a rising military power and allocates increasing portions of its budget to military modernization as well as emphasizing the application of force. China survived the economic crisis that hit the region from 1997 to 1998 and has not shown any signs of stagnation (Enright, Scott & Chang, 2005) However, the future is not certain. Some observers project continuous rise of China while others foresee a dramatic fall or decline like that experienced by Japan after a tremendous growth. There seem to not to be a clear correlation between increased threat and increased power in the case of rise of China. The impact of the rise of China is not clear at the moment although there are many assumptions by scholars and observers. Some are of the view that the United States will be overtaken by China as the largest economy in the world in future. The dilemma in Asia Pacific that has been brought about by the rapid rise of China is very obvious and levels of suspicion rising cannot be ruled out. The rise of China in the region presents many challenges to the U.S. and other states found in the Asia Pacific region. Only Russia sees China as strategic partner. This research sets out to establish the impact of the rise of China on the regional security and economy in relations to the world. Background and literature review China boasts of having the longest continuous civilization in the entire world and for major part of its history it has emerged as a major power on the world map. Despite suffering a period of decline in the early 20th and 19th centuries, recent decades have been characterized by the rebirth of the power of China. Different economic indicators demonstrate the growth of China. By 2009 China overtook Germany as the largest exporter and grew to become the second largest economy in the world after the U.S. and overtaking Japan (Zheng, 2005). China is a manufacturing base and central destination in intra-Asian and international trading networks producing goods for export in developed countries. Chinese structure has expanded on large scale. China has come to the top ranks in steel production and other metals, ships, cement, textiles, and electronic goods. China is a major utilize of international raw materials. The radical growth of China a great economic power in a span of around thirty years is described by observers as one of the best economic success stories in the recent times. From the year 1979 to 2013, the real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew at a yearly rate of about 10%. Approximately five hundred million people in China have emerged out of abject poverty (Hsiao, 2009). China has grown to be a major economic power globally. China is the largest merchandise exporter, manufacturer, and holder of reserves of foreign exchange in the world. China is the second largest economy following the United States, and some analysts forecast that it would grow to be the largest economy in the next five years or there about. Nevertheless, on per capita evaluation China is evidently less developed as compared to the United States. Many studies have not clearly demonstrated the impact of the rise of China in the Asia Pacific region and the world. The rising significance of China in Asia affairs represents a great change in power dynamics of the region in the wake of 21st century and a hard nut to crack for Asian affairs analysts. Specialists are most likely obsessed with the assessment and determination of the implications and scope of this development for many years in the future (Jenkins & Edwards, 2004). Others will be focused on projections about the accomplishments and strengths of China and the new characteristics of diplomacy of China applied in Asia, balanced evaluation will need a comprehensive exploration of the Chinese weaknesses and strengths, clear-eyed perceptions of the determinants with regard to ambitions of China in Asia; and being aware of the weakness and strengths of other influences and powers in the region, notably those emerging from the United States. Keen analysis of the relations of China in Asia in the aftermath of the Cold War period indicates a several consistencies with Maoist as well as post-Mao foreign policy concerns, notably the need to liberate China’s periphery of huge power presence, whereas emphasizing other notable differences. Kim (2004) observes that there is a pattern of change as well as continuity on the approach of China to what officials in China acknowledge as the leading power in the region, the United States. The balance of efforts by China to cooperate with the US and marginalize the US influence and power in the periphery of China is dynamic and complicated. The change in power dynamics has not been illustrated clearly in the available literature. The history of power politics in Asia in the past twenty five century is a tale of the decline of two people, Russia and Japan, the rise of China and the resurgence of the United States. Earlier forecasts of a declining United States turned out to be incorrect. Certainly the rising China was a vital feature of world politics in the 20th century. The rapid economic growth experienced in has occasioned significant increase in bilateral commercial relations with the United States. Trade data between the two countries grew from $5 billion in the year 1980 to about $558 billion in 2013. China is presently the second largest trading partner of the United States; it is the largest source of imports, and the third largest export market (Zhang, 2004). Many companies from the United States have bases of operations in China in order to take advantage of the booming Chinese market that is characterized with lower-cost labour for the manufacturing industry. This has helped many United States firms to remain relevant and competitive internationally and supply consumers in the United States market with low-cost goods. The rise of China as a force to reckon with in the economic world has raised concern among policy makers in U.S. some have raised concerns that China utilizes unscrupulous trade practices with the aim of flooding the United States market with goods that are low-cost and such actions threaten American wages, jobs, and living standards (Huisken, 2009). The implications of these relations with China in case of a decline have not been explored in recent studies. The growth of China is tremendous, but not without concerns. Importance of China politically, militarily, and economically at the global and regional level is undoable. History has proved that success stories do not last forever. The quick economic success attained by Japan beginning from the early 1950s to in the 1990s is a typical demonstration to Asian nations that are developing of imitating its politico-economic model (Zhang, 2004). The ensuring twenty years of political turmoil and economic malaise also remain as a warning sustained growth is inevitable. As China grows to become a great force in the global geopolitics, and overdependence on that success, then its meltdown would also get significant global repercussions. In this perspective, it is crucial to understand the recent rapid development of China. From literature projections, explanation for the rise of China and its trajectory is very complex. It is important to understand its politico-economic story and hence the essence of understanding these dimensions. Mearsherimer (2006) is of the view that from the economical perspective, the labour cost and its impact on profitability are vital in interpretation of the role of technology transfer, inward FDI and education. In the same breathe, as middle class of China continues to grow, expectations and aspirations change which has an influence on the challenge of the traditional controlled approach on the country. Can changes in politics move hand in hand with economic growth? These are some of the challenges that are by China presently and offer entry points for anyone with an interest in understanding and researching China and its future. There are many unanswered question about the influence of China in the Asia Pacific region. The rising of China is the most consequential regional security issue in this century. A stronger China is a challenging issue of the long-established Pax Americana, inclusive of the deployment of the United States forces, the alliance of system of US, and American involvement of issues in the region. Rosecrance (2006) observes that many governments in the region perceive some level of strategic danger in a military strong China having an assertive foreign policy. It is also raises suspicion with regard to certain acceptable international norms that the Chinese government does not approve. The growth of China emboldens it to seek more control of its neighboring. Chinese might have the perception that that they are pursuing legitimate interests but the region sees Chinese policies is bullying and overly assertive. Lall and Albaladejo (2004) explain that China perceives itself as historical leader who is returning to its rightful place in the region after a term of weakness accompanied with mistreatment. Many Asia Pacific partners have histories of conflict with or a dominant China. Some level of international forces work to try and restrain China from the aggressive behavior. Since China’s growth and establishment has come as a result of extensive multilateral and bilateral relations in the global economy, there is little worry that Beijing will try to do away with the international system (Chang, 2007). China is also keen to avoid a situation where it will frighten its neighbors and other states to form an anti-China coalition. From the literature analysis, it can be seen that is no conclusive discussion on the implication of the rise China in the Asia Pacific region and the world at large hence the need for further research to establish this outcome. Aim and objectives To establish the perceptions of other states concerning the rise of China in Asia Pacific and the world To determine distorted fears conceived with regard to the growth of China To investigate the views on the future of China from global perspectives To analyze the balance of power in the Asia-Pacific region To determine the level of influence that China has in Asia-Pacific region. To establish the view of neighboring countries with regard to rise of China Ethical considerations The correspondents will be assured about the confidentially of the information that they will share and no information should be shared without consulting the affected person. The information gathered will be presented without deception that involves commission or omission of facts gathered. Assistant researchers and any person taking part in the research will ensure confidentiality in order to gain the much needed trust from correspondents. Moreover the information will be represented without distortions in order to present the original opinion of the correspondent. It is not ethical to present an opinion that does not convey the original meaning as intended by the correspondent. The right to anonymity will be a guarantee to the correspondents. The participants have the right of remaining anonymous throughout the research. Privacy and confidentiality will be achieved through this means. The correspondents will be fully informed about the purpose of the research and the use of information that they would willing to divulge. Various researches will follow ethical standards while compiling the results of the research and ask permission from relevant authorities where necessary. No one will be involved in the research without his own consent. Participation the research has to be purely on voluntary basis. Methods used by researchers will be ethical and honest. Bias will be avoided in data analysis, experimental design, expert testimony, personal decisions, and any aspect of the research. The researchers will have the duty and responsibility of identifying any physical and psychological harm posed to the correspondent and informing him or her prior to the research. The correspondent has the right to weigh in on the risks involved and decide whether or not he is taking part in the research. The researchers have to inquire if the participants have understood the procedures and methods of the research. The participants have to understand the manner which the research is being carried and its purpose (Hammersley & Traianou, 2012). Participants should not be victimized after the research. The researcher will be sincere and honest and approach participants without deceit or nay misconception. Honesty and integrity will be the duty of any person who will be involved in this research. The analysis and presentation of the information will be honest and without any distortions. Voluntary consent of the correspondents will be sought and no one will be coerced or forced to take part in the research if he will not be willing. The information gathered in the field will not be shared with another agency without the consent of the participants. Limitations of the study This research acknowledges the enormous task of gathering data from different sources across the globe and going through it to come up with conclusive observations. Therefore a lot needs to be put in place and considering financial limitation; there will be cutting down the sample size and the span of time of the research. Consequently this research cannot be exhaustive and requires further funding and commitment in order to be absolutely comprehensive. The researchers have power over personal bias of the respondents and such views can distort the outcome of the research. Bias due to researchers’ interpretation, experience and beliefs may affect the final results of the research (Kimmel, 2009). The researchers will try as much as possible to be objective. The time factor is also limiting for this research. The time allocated for this research is ten months which may not be a time frame to exhaust all information needed to understand the Asia Pacific politics with relation to China. The researchers will not be full control of the environment or setting of the research interviews and therefore physical aspects may influence the response of the correspondents. To overcome this, researchers will try as much of possible to create an ample environment for the correspondents during interviews. Other factors like sickness of the identified correspondents will be beyond the doing of the researchers. The researchers will have to interview more correspondents in order to cover up for those who will not be available. The researchers will not have control over the literacy of the participants and language barrier and interpretations of the participants. Different states speak different languages and hence it will require interpreters. The bias from the interpreters may affect the outcome of the research or may not present information as originally intended by the correspondents. The interpreters will be trained on professionalism during the research. Much of the research will be done through online means owing to the limiting distance and the prohibitive cost of travelling around. Methodology Stratified sampling that is based on geographical regions will be used to determine the sample of people that will be used in this research. A sample of 2,500 people will be used in this research. The sample will be divided into the online survey and the field research. 1500 correspondents will be used on the online survey while 1000 people will be used in the one on one interview as well as telephone interviews. Participants will be encouraged to take part in the research through small tokens given online or the promise to take part in future ruffle game. Participants will be given an opportunity to take part in a ruffle game that will enable them to win prizes. This will be an incentive for them to participate. Potential correspondents will be identified through government records and sex, gender, and occupation will be used when selecting the sample. Random sampling will be used to pick out the participants per country after using the first criterion to identify them. China neighbors in the Asia Pacific region will contribute the first sample. Samples will be determined according proportionally to the entire population of the country. More emphasis will be given to Asia-Pacific region, Europe, America, and northern Africa. The sample will be obtained according to regions. The research will start will thorough planning and preparation that will involve development of the research design and schedule of activities to be accomplished and when. Data collection methods This research will utilize both secondary and primary data in order to achieve its objectives. The secondary research will involve previous literature reviews through journal articles, textbooks, newspaper articles, periodicals, and magazines. Secondary data will be used to demonstrate the gaps that exist in the current empirical research on the implications of the rising China to Asia Pacific and the world as a whole. Secondary data will be used to develop the background to these study and reviews of past empirical studies that have been conducted. Both qualitative and quantitative methods of data collection will be used in gathering data for this research. Primary data will be gathered in the fields using data gathering methods. Some of the methods that will be used to collect data for this research will include online surveys, questionnaires, telephone interviews, and one-on-one interviews. In order to cut down on cost online survey will extensively be used in this research. Some of the surveys will be done on Facebook, twitter, gmail.com, Yahoo! and any other relevant social site that can give accurate and reliable feedback. Questionnaires will be prepared in advance and tested prior to the research using few correspondents in order to establish their effectiveness. Questions on the questionnaires will either be open-ended that require an explanation from the correspondent or closed hence involving agreeing or disagreeing. Some of the questionnaires will be emailed to correspondents in the Asia Pacific region as other places in the world. Both one-on-one interviews and telephone interviews will be conducted. Interviews are some of the sources of qualitative data. Person-to-person interviews give an opportunity the researcher to gauge the sincerity of the response through body language. Both structured and open-ended interviews will be applied in this research. Structured interviews is whereby questions a determined prior to the interview. Open-interviews are normally conversational format. The highly structured format is applied when gathering socio-demographic. Majorly interviews are less structured and open ended. Researchers have to have rapport with the respondents. The correspondents will be informed about the objectives of the research prior to the interviews. Confidentiality and anonymity will be emphasized during this stage. Telephone interviews will also be conducted with professors and distinguished scholars in history, international relations, or political science. Data will be collected through filling in questionnaire, video or tape recordings during interviews or taking notes during interviews. Data presentation and coding The data collected will be coded and presented in manner that can be understood by any layman. Likert scales and ranking will be used to present some of the qualitative data gathered through the research. Pie-charts will be used to present proportions of populations and their opinions and their perceptions with regard to Asia Pacific geopolitics. Line graphs will present periodical data that shows trends and dynamics of Asia-Pacific politics with relation to the world. Data will also be presented in form of pie-charts, line graphs, bar graphs, tables, proportional circles, and divided circles. The form of presentation will depend on the ease of interpretation. Schedule of Events June July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb March Primary investigations Development of research design Questionnaire preparation Questionnaire testing Administering of questionnaires Conducting interviews Conducting online surveys Data analysis, coding, and presentation Preparation of report Final report presentation Closing summary There are many misconceptions and assumptions that can only be dispelled if an exhaustive research can be carried out to determine the influence of China growth in the Asia Pacific region and the world at large. China growth triggers both fear and hope in developing countries in this era when there are so many rogue states that do not value good neighborhood. The future course of status of Chinese nation in the global and regional economy will depend of the Chinese roles in the global economy as well as the proposed values with regard to economic and political model. China growth does not have to trigger an anti-Chinese coalition among its neighbors in Asia Pacific region. China has to address the fears raised by other state and understand that it depends on multiple bilateral and multilateral relations for its growth. Exports of its products to developing countries have played a role in the realization of the robust economy. For an effective research to take place there should be cooperation among all participants and fully backing of the sponsors. The misconceptions about the regional impact of China in terms of security and the economy have to be dispelled and if there are any concerns they should be amicably addressed. The future of China seems to be bright currently but it is important for researchers to project into the future allay or confirm fears that other states have concerning the growth of China and its impact to the Asia Pacific region. This research will take a period of ten months and it requires cooperation from all participants. References Chang, C.S., 2007, The Rise of the Chinese Empire: Nation, state, & imperialism in early China, ca. 1600 B.C.-A.D. 8, University of Michigan Press, Michigan. Enright, M., Scott, E. & Chang, K., 2005, Regional Power House: The Greater Pearl River Delta and the Rise of China, Singapore: John Wiley. Hammersley, M., & Traianou, A., 2012, Ethics in Qualitative Research: Controversies and Contexts, SAGE, London. Huisken, R.H., 2009, Rising China: Power and Reassurance, ANU E Press, Melbourne. Hsiao, H.H.M., 2009, Rise of China: Beijing’s Strategies and Implications for the Asia-Pacific, Routledge, New York. Jenkins, R. & Edwards, C., 2004, 'How does China's Growth Affect Poverty Reduction in Asia and Latin America?', Report to DFID, mimeo, Norwich: Overseas Development Group, University of East Anglia. Kimmel, A,J., 2009, Ethical Issues in Behavioral Research: Basic and Applied Perspectives, John Wiley & Sons, New Jersey. Kim, S., 2004, The changing role of China on the Korean Peninsula, International Journal of Korean Studies 8 (1): 79-112. Lall, S. & Albaladejo, M., 2004, 'China's competitive performance: A threat to East Asian manufactured exports?' World Development, 32 (9): 1441-1466. Mearsherimer, J.J., 2006, China’s unpeaceful rise, Current History, 105 (690): 160. Rosecrance, R., 2006, Power and international relations: The rise of China and its effects, International Studies Perspectives 7: 31-35 Zhang, W-W, 2004, The implications of the rise of China, Foresight, 6 (4), pp.223 - 226 Zheng, B., 2005, China’s peaceful rise to Great-Power status, Foreign Affairs 84 (5): 18-24. Read More