The Evolution of China’s Security Policy: From Deng to Xi
- Nutthathirataa Withitwinyuchon, The Institute of Diplomacy and International Studies, Rangsit University, Pathum Thani, 12000 Thailand, E-mail: nutthathirataa.w@rsu.ac.th
Abstract
The increasingly aggressive security policy of China in the past recent years has demonstrated significant departure from Deng-prescribed foreign policy practiced since the 1980s and therefore raised the eyebrows of many observers. As Chinese security policy inevitably has meaningful implication on not only regional but also global peace and stability, this visible deviation definitely deserves a closer examination. In order to explain China’s changing security policy posture, this paper has traced changes in China’s national identity from Deng to Xi era and analyzed how they defined the regime’s interests which consequently shaped security policy. Based on constructivists’ assumption, this paper posits that the way the world see China and the new Chinese perception of themselves as a great power has thus far contributed to the vigorous move in China’s security concerns, especially in the East and South China Sea.
Keywords: China, Identity, Security Policy, Deng Xiaoping, Deng Xiaoping, Constructivism
DOI: 10.14456/rjsh.2020.3
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