China's Political Worldview and Chinese Exceptionalism

This book uses the notion of "Chinese exceptionalism" as a framework to analyze China's international politics and foreign policy. It argues that China's approach to international relations is best understood in the context of these claims to exceptionalism and China's broader political world view. In doing so, it fosters a more comprehensive understanding of China's actions within the realms of foreign policy and international politics, and in the context of the preferred world order, norms and rules that the country seeks to promote

Chinese exceptionalism: an interpretive framework to understanding China’s rise and relations with the world

The rise of China as a major player global politics over the past few decades has generated substantial debate among scholars and practitioners of international relations. Many have raised questions and concerns as to what China’s long term intentions are, whether it would cooperate or challenge the existing global order, and how countries should respond, react and relate to it. Given the limitations posed by mainstream international relations theories in explaining China’s behavior, this dissertation seeks to delve into the study of China’s international politics and foreign policy actions by examining the Chinese political worldview concerning its preferred world order and the norms and rules that it seeks to promote. To do so, this thesis introduces the notion of “Chinese exceptionalism” as a framework or lens through which to better account for China’s international politics and foreign policy. In this thesis, I will argue that the Chinese political worldview (i.e. how it sees itself and how it sees the world) perceives China itself as being exceptional, that is, it is good and different, and that this has influenced Beijing’s approach to the practice of international politics. Such an exceptionalism mindset, I argue, provides us with a better understanding and a more comprehensive interpretation to China’s international relations as compared to mainstream IR theories. As this dissertation will highlight, China perceives the existing international order as ripe for change and that it ought to play a more influential role whilst having its interests acknowledged by others. Hence the central question in this dissertation is what is the Chinese worldview concerning global order and what are the norms and principles that China seeks to promote seeing itself as an exceptional power? Furthermore, how does Chinese exceptionalism influence Chinese international relations debates concerning its role in the global system and its preferred world order? The following study provides a systematic analysis to flesh out China’s political worldview and how its conceptions of exceptionalism are being reflected in its international practices and global politics. Drawing upon interviews conducted with international relations scholars (particularly those based in East Asia), senior policymakers both from and outside China, Chinese primary sources, and participatory insights gleaned from extended fieldwork working together with Chinese IR specialists based at a Singapore-based defense think-tank, this dissertation explores China’s worldview and its exceptionalism thinking in five different areas. They are, namely, (I) Chinese theories of international relations, (II) Chinese national identity, (III) China’s national image, (IV) China’s global outreach as shown by the Belt and Road Initiative, and finally, (V) in China’s relations with its neighbors. Through locating Chinese exceptionalism discourse within these five areas, this dissertation seeks to unravel what Chinese exceptionalism entails, and how it it frames Beijing’s worldview towards international politics

ASEAN at 45 : a case for principled realism

Regional flare-ups over territorial sovereignty have placed ASEAN’s cohesion and solidarity under the spotlight. The ability of ASEAN to stay neutral in its own backyard is increasingly challenged by the clashing interests of big powers. ASEAN states should temper the pursuit of national interests with established principles

Religious prefixes and imaginings in Singapore's foreign policy.

44 p.This paper focuses on how religious ideas are being understood, codified and expressed within the foreign policy tenets of Singapore, given the secular-realist framework in place. In order to uncover the religious nuances, a discourse analysis of the speeches and writings of three key foreign policy makers is done. The paper uncovered several basic themes in the construction of Singapore's foreign policy that are congruent with religious imaginings: the sense of transcendence, the impartation of moral attributes where normative standards held on to, and the importance of relating with the larger international community. These findings suggest the presence of quasi-religious ideas in place and demonstrates the ongoing saliency of religion -even in secular government.Master of Science (International Relations

Blinken's Beijing visit: private conversations, public criticism

Antony Blinken’s first visit to Beijing last weekend may not be quite as dramatic or consequential as Henry Kissinger’s secret visit in 1971. That said, having private conversations between the two sides remains essential, even if the public mood and diplomatic relationship remain fraught with tensions.Published versio

ASEAN centrality : year of big power transitions

As the global community continues to grapple with political and economic uncertainties, ASEAN must resist the temptation to look inward if it is to maintain its much vaunted centrality amidst big power transitions

ASEAN's World Cup goal : where football meets diplomacy

ASEAN’s hopes of staging the 2030 FIFA World Cup is not just a matter of sporting pride, but an objective that is intricately tied to the character of ASEAN’s political community. Can it rise to the challenge

How China Sees the Indo-Pacific : What Next After AOIP?

Following the publication of the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP) earlier this year, Chinese observers have trained their focus on what the AOIP means for Beijing’s relations with Southeast Asia. Come 2020, it is likely that China would demand greater clarity concerning the practical “deliverables” of the AOIP.Published versio

Seoul nuclear summit : back to the drawing board

Global concerns over North Korea’s and Iran’s nuclear ambitions saw little open debate at the recentlyconcluded Seoul Nuclear Security Summit. Participating states would have to go back to the drawing board soon, especially with North Korea’s proposed satellite launch a matter of weeks away

Nagorno-Karabakh conflict : the role of airpower

The ongoing war in the Nagorno-Karabakh has been notable for how airpower is deployed. What are its key features?Published versio