Becoming China: Security & Defence

Question 1

What are the ‘First/Second Island Chains’?

Answer 1

Refers to the first/second ring of archipelagos and islands largely surrounding China.

Question 2

Example of two islands in the First Island Chain, and one in the Second

Answer 2

Kuril Islands, Taiwan & Mariana Islands

Question 3

What are the ‘Sea Lanes of Communication’

Answer 3

Describes the primary maritime routes between ports, used for trade, logistics and naval forces. (E.g. 80% of China’s maritime oil passes through the Strait of Malacca)

Question 4

What are the ‘String of Pearls’?

Answer 4

A Geopolitical theory demarcating China’s growing ambitions for a string of military and commercial installations located along the Sea Lands of Communication throughout the Indian Ocean

Question 5

What does Tang Shiping argue in their article ‘From Offensive to Defensive Realism’?

Answer 5

Argues that China has evolved from a offensive realist stratagem under Mao, to a more defensive-style under Deng Xiaoping and thereafter, and unlikely to revert back.

Question 6

Sum up what defensive realist believe?

Answer 6

Defensive realists believe that, whilst the international system is largely defined by anarchy and conflict of interest, some matters can be solved through cooperation. Thus threat of security toward an opposing state is not always in one’s best interest.

Question 7

What reason gives little doubt that China is a realist state, according to Tang?

Answer 7

As a result of the “Century of Humiliation”

Question 8

What shows Mao as a offensive realist, according to Tang

Answer 8

Violent removal of internal and external threats & Support of revolution abroad to create a socialist world order

Question 9

Tang on how to identify a defensive realist state?

Answer 9

Recognition of the value of cooperation over conflict & Exercising of self-restraint