Description
Amidst the ongoing calls to reshape and "undiscipline" the field of International Relations (IR), the rise of China as a global power poses new challenges and opportunities that question the discipline’s readiness for the future. While debates often centre on China’s resistance to democratization and its potential to disrupt international security, less attention has been given to its emerging role in international counter-terrorism. This paper explores China's shifting strategy, moving from its traditional non-interference policy to a more outward-focused approach driven by economic and security imperatives such as the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Despite the institutionalisation of counter-terrorism cooperation within the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) and bilateral partnerships, China's involvement remains sporadic and ad hoc, marked by regional disparities.
The paper analyses China's interactions across regions, from Central Asia, where it contends with local grievances over the treatment of Uyghurs while relying on private security expansions, to Southeast Asia, where collaborative measures include weapons provision and intelligence groundwork. In contrast, China's approach to Afghanistan and Syria highlights its preference for reconstruction and humanitarian aid over active counter-terrorism cooperation, influenced by its cautious stance in the US–Russia rivalry. The findings indicate that China's selective engagement reflects an evolving, pragmatic response to global extremism, balancing its strategic interests with adherence to non-interference principles.
This paper employs a qualitative research approach, synthesising primary sources such as policy documents, official statements, and international agreements, alongside secondary literature that includes academic articles, reports, and expert analyses. Comparative case analysis is used to highlight regional variances in China's approach, including its strategic partnerships and interactions in Central Asia, Southeast Asia, Afghanistan, and Syria.
