Shedding Light on Chinese Thinking on AUKUS

Sarah Tzinieris; Zeno Leoni; Kevin Blachford

Shedding Light on Chinese Thinking on AUKUS

Sarah Tzinieris, Zeno Leoni, Kevin Blachford

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

Abstract

Western observers have endlessly debated the strategic implications of AUKUS. However, little attention has been paid to Chinese perspectives on AUKUS, despite the pact’s implicit rationale to curb Beijing’s perceived strategic ambitions. The article provides an objective and evidence-based examination of thinking on AUKUS within the Chinese decision-making community. The goal is three-fold: first to inform audiences outside China about its key concerns; second, to understand how these concerns are being constituted as narratives in China; and third, to highlight opportunities for improved dialogue to avoid policy-making communities remaining in self-contained silos. Some of China’s concerns about AUKUS are real and valid, and it is helpful to identify Beijing’s perceived threats, namely arms racing, nuclear risks, containment, and a return to a Cold War mentality. Recognizing these does not imply appeasement of China’s growing assertiveness. The aim is to create opportunities for strategic dialogue and shape a more peaceful and predictable global system.

Original language	English
Journal	Pacific Focus
Volume	39
Issue number	3
Publication status	Accepted/In press - 10 Jul 2024

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This output contributes to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Cite this

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title = "Shedding Light on Chinese Thinking on AUKUS",

abstract = "Western observers have endlessly debated the strategic implications of AUKUS. However, little attention has been paid to Chinese perspectives on AUKUS, despite the pact{\textquoteright}s implicit rationale to curb Beijing{\textquoteright}s perceived strategic ambitions. The article provides an objective and evidence-based examination of thinking on AUKUS within the Chinese decision-making community. The goal is three-fold: first to inform audiences outside China about its key concerns; second, to understand how these concerns are being constituted as narratives in China; and third, to highlight opportunities for improved dialogue to avoid policy-making communities remaining in self-contained silos. Some of China{\textquoteright}s concerns about AUKUS are real and valid, and it is helpful to identify Beijing{\textquoteright}s perceived threats, namely arms racing, nuclear risks, containment, and a return to a Cold War mentality. Recognizing these does not imply appeasement of China{\textquoteright}s growing assertiveness. The aim is to create opportunities for strategic dialogue and shape a more peaceful and predictable global system. ",

author = "Sarah Tzinieris and Zeno Leoni and Kevin Blachford",

year = "2024",

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AU - Blachford, Kevin

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N2 - Western observers have endlessly debated the strategic implications of AUKUS. However, little attention has been paid to Chinese perspectives on AUKUS, despite the pact’s implicit rationale to curb Beijing’s perceived strategic ambitions. The article provides an objective and evidence-based examination of thinking on AUKUS within the Chinese decision-making community. The goal is three-fold: first to inform audiences outside China about its key concerns; second, to understand how these concerns are being constituted as narratives in China; and third, to highlight opportunities for improved dialogue to avoid policy-making communities remaining in self-contained silos. Some of China’s concerns about AUKUS are real and valid, and it is helpful to identify Beijing’s perceived threats, namely arms racing, nuclear risks, containment, and a return to a Cold War mentality. Recognizing these does not imply appeasement of China’s growing assertiveness. The aim is to create opportunities for strategic dialogue and shape a more peaceful and predictable global system.

AB - Western observers have endlessly debated the strategic implications of AUKUS. However, little attention has been paid to Chinese perspectives on AUKUS, despite the pact’s implicit rationale to curb Beijing’s perceived strategic ambitions. The article provides an objective and evidence-based examination of thinking on AUKUS within the Chinese decision-making community. The goal is three-fold: first to inform audiences outside China about its key concerns; second, to understand how these concerns are being constituted as narratives in China; and third, to highlight opportunities for improved dialogue to avoid policy-making communities remaining in self-contained silos. Some of China’s concerns about AUKUS are real and valid, and it is helpful to identify Beijing’s perceived threats, namely arms racing, nuclear risks, containment, and a return to a Cold War mentality. Recognizing these does not imply appeasement of China’s growing assertiveness. The aim is to create opportunities for strategic dialogue and shape a more peaceful and predictable global system.

M3 - Article

SN - 1225-4657

VL - 39

JO - Pacific Focus

JF - Pacific Focus

IS - 3

ER -

Shedding Light on Chinese Thinking on AUKUS

Abstract

UN SDGs

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