Central Idea

• The Global Security Initiative (GSI), a China-led framework aiming to restore stability and security in Asia, appears to be more of a counter-narrative to U.S. leadership rather than a genuine attempt to establish a sustainable security order.

What is GSI?

• The GSI was introduced by Chinese Minister of Foreign Affairs Qin Gang at the Lanting Forum in Beijing.
• The initiative is based on five pillars: mutual respect, openness and inclusion, multilateralism, mutual benefit, and a holistic approach.

Analysis: China’s track record shows a different picture than what the GSI envisions

1. Mutual Respect and Adherence to International Law:

• China’s relations with neighbors like India and Southeast Asian countries demonstrate a lack of respect for their sovereignty and territorial integrity.
• China’s assertive manoeuvres in the South China Sea, rejection of UNCLOS, and undermining of India’s territorial integrity are at odds with the GSI’s first principle.

2. Openness and Inclusion:

• Despite advocating for openness and inclusion, China engages in exclusionary policies in the East and South China Seas, rejecting freedom of navigation and consolidating its sphere of influence.

3. Multilateralism and Security Cooperation:

• China’s involvement in multilateral institutions often involves asymmetric power relations, as seen in its dealings with ASEAN members.
• Its delay in establishing a Code of Conduct for the South China Sea and ongoing militarization in the region undermine this principle.

4. Mutual Benefit:

• China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has the potential to benefit all parties involved. However, its funding of unsustainable projects for countries with low credit ratings creates debt burdens and destabilizes international macroeconomic stability.
• China’s insistence on a larger share in joint resource exploration with the Philippines is another example of disregarding mutual benefit.

5. Holistic Approach:

• China’s rise in a transitioning multipolar international system has led to power competitions with established and rising powers, such as the U.S. and India.
• Its engagements with these powers indicate a narrowly defined goal for its power interests. Furthermore, China’s involvement in non-traditional security threats, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and arming terror groups, shows a lack of holistic approach.

Conclusion

• China’s rise in a transitioning multipolar international system has led to power competitions with established and rising powers, and its involvement in non-traditional security threats shows a lack of holistic approach. It’s Global Security Initiative, which is a vision of a future security order, is vastly different from China’s recent track record of external engagement.

Mains Question

Q. What is China’s Global Security Initiative (GSI)? It is said that China’s GSI is vastly different from China’s recent track record of external engagement. Discuss

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