China and Power in the Indo-Pacific Practice Flashcards

A comprehensive set of flashcards covering China's political system, national interests (Security, Economic Prosperity, Regional Relationships, Regional Standing), forms of power (Military, Economic, Diplomatic, Political, Cultural), and concepts of stability and change in the Indo-Pacific region.

How is power defined in the context of Indo-Pacific politics?

Power refers to the ability of one actor to influence another in the pursuit of their objectives.

Which five states are listed as choices for in-depth study in this unit?

People’s Republic of China, Japan, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, and the United States of America.

According to the transcript, how is the Indo-Pacific region defined?

The region ranging from the eastern Indian Ocean to the Pacific Ocean connected by Southeast Asia, including India, North Asia, and the United States of America.

What is the core of state power in China's political system?

The communist party (CCP) is the core of state power, effectively making China a one-party state.

What 2018 constitutional change allowed Xi Jinping to remain in power indefinitely?

China amended its constitution to remove presidential term limits, which allowed Xi to remain beyond the previous two-term norm.

What are the four specific national interest objectives identified for the selected state?

Security, economic prosperity, regional relationships, and regional standing.

In Chinese national interests, what is the difference between domestic and foreign policy?

Domestic policy refers to issues within China (like separatism), while foreign policy refers to issues external to China (like trade).

What are the two perspectives of the national interest of 'Security' for China?

Traditional Security (preservation of physical sovereignty and borders) and Non-Traditional Security (emerging threats like disease, climate change, and cyber security).

What specific group was targeted by what Human Rights Watch called "cultural genocide" in 2021?

The Uyghurs in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, with upwards of 1 million detained in "re-education" and "forced labour" camps.

According to the Global Terrorism Index, what was China's terrorism score in 2015 versus 2022?

It peaked at $6.68$ points in 2015 and reached its lowest at $0.00$ points in 2022.

How many premature deaths per year in China are attributed to air pollution?

About 2 million deaths per year, according to the World Health Organisation.

Compare 'Traditional Development' and 'Sustainable Development' regarding economic prosperity.

Traditional Development emphasizes rapid industrialisation and average annual GDP growth (8% in the last 10 years), while Sustainable Development focuses on balancing environmental and social needs to protect future generations.

What is 'Wolf Warrior Diplomacy'?

An aggressive, nationalistic style of Chinese diplomacy that emerged in the late 2010s, marked by confrontation and outspoken rebuttals of Western criticism.

What action did China take against Australia in 2020 in response to calls for an inquiry into the origins of COVID-19?

China imposed tariffs and trade bans on Australian exports including wine, barley, coal, and lobsters, which is referred to as "economic coercion."

What is the 'Belt & Road Initiative' (BRI)?

A massive infrastructure investment project involving Chinese spending of over $1 trillion on roads, ports, rail, and pipelines in 149 countries to expand trade ties.

How is regional standing defined in the Indo-Pacific context?

A state's ranking or status in the region, referring to its overall power and ability to achieve its goals.

What does the 'Imperialistic Rise' perspective of regional standing suggest about China?

It views China as an emerging regional hegemon that rejects the American-led international order and uses fear and intimidation to silence critics.

In terms of regional standing, what is a 'Peaceful Rise'?

A cosmopolitan view where China choice to expand its regional role from within the established order, emphasizing mutual gain and friendship.

How does regional standing differ from regional relationships?

Regional relationships refer narrowly to specific partnerships and connections (trade and diplomatic), while regional standing denotes a state's overall influence and status relative to others.

What was the 'Joint Sword-2024A' exercise?

A series of military drills conducted by the PLA in May 2024 focusing on sea assaults and a mock-invasion of Taiwan as "strong punishment" for separatist acts.

What is the 'porcupine strategy'?

A defense strategy used by Taiwan involving investment in cost-effective systems like drones and missiles to deter potential Chinese aggression.

Which 2020 legislation criminalized acts of secession and subversion in Hong Kong?

The National Security Law (NSL).

What is the purpose of China's Confucius Institutes (CIs)?

They are state-funded institutes that provide classes in Chinese language, culture, and business etiquette to influence international perceptions and cultivate goodwill.

How much financial and humanitarian aid has China provided to the Solomon Islands since 2019?

Over $121$ million, including $71$ million for a new 10,000 seat stadium for the 2023 Pacific Games.

What are the two major broad challenges to China's ability to achieve its national interests?

1. Regional opposition (international community restrictions) and 2. China's own conflicting interests, powers, and priorities.

In terms of 'Stability vs Change', what does 'Change' refer to in this study?

Challenging the status-quo of the Western/American led regional order and establishing a China-centric order.