China is one of the fastest-growing economies in the world. Over the last few decades, China has shown immense socioeconomic and political success that has potentially driven it to a superpower position. China's strategic culture has played a significant role in the country's transition to a global phenomenon. Strategic culture refers to a distinct way in which a country responds to a potential threat. It involves how the policymakers, decision-makers, and citizens perceive threats from foreign countries and violent non-state actors (Chengappas, 2018). The Confucian tradition of peace, nationalism, and the suspicion of outside powers has often characterized the Chinese strategic culture. In turn, this has influenced how it relates to neighbors in the East Asian region. However, the changing political tide in the East Asian region has seen the Chinese changing its strategic culture into a more aggressive and assertive one. China's militaristic aggression is a threat to the long-term peace and stability of the already vulnerable East Asian region.
For many years, a country's strategic culture has influenced its military behavior and force use. The concept assesses the role of war in human relations and the suitability of applying force as prescribed by the world's political and military affairs (Lantis, 2014). Throughout its history, culture has remained a significant aspect in determining China's approach to engage in strategy and warfare (Rosyidin, 2017). The Confucian culture is often believed to have influenced the strategic thinking of China. The Confucian thought promoted peace over conflict and defense in place of the offense. The Confucian strategy emphasized the importance of battle as a last resort. As illustrated by the author, “Confucian ethics viewed the importance of diplomacy in resolving disputes between the countries” (Rosyidin, 2017 p.33). However, the South East Asian region conflicts have seen the Chinese apply a more assertive way of engaging other nations in international matters. The readiness and willingness to use force characterize the current strategic culture of the Chinese government.
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A significant part of the strategic culture has received influence from China's ever-growing military capabilities. China is the largest country in terms of population. Regarding size, it comes second after India. The rapid modernization and industrialization process has turned it into a powerful entity. A strong army hallmarks the military-industrial complex with modern arms and artillery (Shambaugh, 2005). The country's leadership has also demonstrated the commitment to establishing a comprehensive national power. The massive armed forces and nuclear weapon capabilities are fundamental attributes in assessing the country's strategic culture. The improvement in the militaristic forces is part of the country's change in strategic culture. It will also directly impact the security dynamics of the Asia-Pacific region. Some of China's neighbors, such as Japan, the Philippines, Mongolia, Korea, and Vietnam, view this as a threat to their security and well-being. As contended by Dutta (1998), "Dealing with China as a rising power is the most compelling of all of the many challenges facing the United States and its regional allies" (92). Therefore, this warrants the rest of the world to feel threatened with China's strategic culture change.
China’s strategic culture and the resulting behavior are not compatible with East Asian peace and stability in the long-term. Traditionally, the East Asian region has faced many instances of militarized conflicts. Most of the disputes have centered on national liberation and territorial control (Weissmann, 2009). The region is also hallmarked with a long-standing distrust among members and far-reaching historical problems. Political and cultural differences between the members have strained reconciliation as each party continues to take a hardened stance (Johnson, 2009). The nationalistic behaviors of countries, including China, Japan, and Taiwan, have resulted in ethnic clashes. These powers' primary objective is to appease domestic audiences rather than create a peaceful regional environment in East Asia (Weissmann, 2009). The rising great powers continue to make the East Asian region a war-ripe region. China's rising influence and its assertive behavior are dangerous for the peace and long-term stability of the region (Lantis, 2014). The change from the Confucian-based diplomacy to the current assertive model jeopardizes any gains towards a peaceful resolution of conflict.
I do not think that the Chinese will moderate its conduct in the future. The country is determined to disrupt the equilibrium of world politics based on its recent maneuvers. First, China will not relent on its quest for a maritime territorial stake in the East Asian region. Therefore, the new strategic culture of aggressiveness will continue to shape its foreign policy. Secondly, I believe that China's quest to militarize and modernize is tied to its desire to create a new center of power and divert its neighbors' attention from the US. China wants to have higher bargaining power in international geopolitics (Vaughn & Morrison, 2006). Such a position will also enable it to limit foreign countries' influence on matters of East Asia. Therefore, international players should expect China to continue with its disruptive behavior as it continues to acquire the superpower status.
In conclusion, China's militaristic aggression is a threat to the long-term peace and stability of the already vulnerable East Asian region. China's strategic culture has changed from the peaceful model proposed by Confucian to a more aggressive one shaped by the changing political interests. The rapid modernization and acquisition of militaristic power will continually shape China's assertiveness in the region. East Asia has a long history of violence, nationalism, and conflict. Neighbors such as Japan and Taiwan, among other nations, should perceive this changing trend as a threat to their stability.
References
Chengappas, B. (2018). Chinese Strategic Culture. Indian Defense Review http://www.indiandefencereview.com/spotlights/chinese-strategic-culture/
Dutta, S. (1998). China’s emerging power and military role: Implications for South Asia. In China’s Shadow: Regional Perspectives on Chinese Foreign Policy and Military Development , 91-114.
Johnson, K. D. (2009). China's Strategic Culture: a perspective for the United States . Strategic Studies Institute.
Lantis, J. S. (2014). Strategic cultures and security policies in the Asia-Pacific. Taylor & Francis Online
Rosyidin, M. (2017). China’s strategic culture and the challenge of security management in the South China Sea dispute. East Asia , 34 (2), 133-145.
Shambaugh, D. (2005). China engages Asia: reshaping the regional order. International Security , 29 (3), 64-99.
Vaughn, B., & Morrison, W. M. (2006, April). China-Southeast Asia relations: Trends, issues, and implications for the United States. LIBRARY OF CONGRESS WASHINGTON DC CONGRESSIONAL RESEARCH SERVICE.
Weissmann, M. (2009). Understanding the East Asian Peace: Informal and formal conflict prevention and peacebuilding in the Taiwan Strait, the Korean Peninsula, and the South China Sea 1990-2008. https://www.diva-portal.org/smash/get/diva2:780141/FULLTEXT01.pdf
