Chinese Foreign Relations With Weak Peripheral States: Asymmetrical Economic Power And Insecurity (Asian Security Studies)

This book examines China? relations with its weak peripheral states through the theoretical lens of structural power and structural violence. China? foreign policy concepts toward its weak neighbouring states, such as the ?ne Belt, One Road?strategy, are premised on the assumption that economic exchange and a commitment to common development are the most effective means of ensuring stability on its borders. This book, however, argues that China? overreliance on economic exchange as the basis for its bilateral relations contains inherently self-defeating qualities that have contributed and can further contribute to instability and insecurity within China? periphery. Unequal economic exchange between China and its weak neighbours results in Chinese influence over the state? domestic institutions, what this book refers to as ?tructural power? Chinese structural power, in turn, can undermine the state? development, contribute to social unrest, and exacerbate existing state/society tensions