Impact of rise of China on international orders in East Asia Essay

China is one of the fastest growing economies in the world. Her growth has been accompanied by more political influence and voice in international scene. Her international influence has started to be felt in the recent years. China great investment in other countries has played a big role in this. China has also been on process of fastening her diplomatic relationships with various countries. She is also a member of major international and regional organization e. . World Bank, World Trade Organization (WTO), Asian Development Bank (ADB), International Monetary Fund, Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the Asian Pacific Economic Cooperation(APEC). Additionally, she also has veto power in UN decision making process. Consequently her rise is likely to destabilize international orders in East Asia which compromises of countries such as People Republic of China, Japan, North Korea, Taiwan, Japan, and North Korea. It is likely that influence on this area by the America, Western Countries, Russia and Japan will be destabilized as China entrench its economic and political interests. (Rex Li 2008 p1). China has been having different perception about issues in this area which have been conflicting with those of Western and USA. For instance, the North Korea nuclear weapon programs which has been openly and toughly opposed by USA and Western countries has seen fair opinion from China which has also been opposing sanction against this country. China has also been actively developing ‘strategic partnerships’ with the major power and actors around the world. It is therefore clear that China has been having global aspiration but East Asia has remained to be the main focus. People of Republic of China leaders also consider East Asia as the most important region for her economic development as well as security concerns. She has vital interest in this region. Her leaders have also been paying great attentions on strategies of the major powers in East Asia especially the Russia, America and Japan. Her economic expansion in terms of trade has been increasing tremendously, for instance her exports grew from US$9. 8 billion in 1978 to US $1218 billion in 2007. Her foreign direct investment increased from US$916 million in 1983 to US$74. 8 billion in 2007. China has also focused on enhancing economic cooperation with the East Asian countries. This relation has been integrated into number of subregional economic groupings such as Northeast China-Korea-Japan and Hong Kong-Guangdong-Shenzen triangles. In addition to this, China has also been in forefront to ensure development of other subregions e. . Tumen River project so as to promote her cooperation with Japan, North Korea, South Korea, Mongolia and Russia. The other subregion is Yellow Economic Zone which include Shandong and Liaoning provinces, Japan, South Korea China has also continued to strengthen its multilateral and bilateral relations with other Asian nations. The announcement of establishment of a China-ASEAN free trade Area by 2010 in Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) Plus Three summit in 2002 at Phnom Penh is a good example of these efforts. Additionally, she has also established its military ability through purchase of more weapons especially from Russia. For instance, China has over forty ballistic missiles. (Rex Li 2008 p4). All this relations offers China with a good foundation to destabilize the international order in East Asia. Although it may take a little longer, it is probable that America, Russia and Japan influence in this area will be overtaken by that of China.