CHINA’S ENGAGEMENT IN REGIONAL MULTILATERAL ORGANIZATIONS

This thesis investigates how a Chinese perspective on International Relations, as well as the theoretical paradigm of the English School, can contribute to understand China’s increased activity in regional multilateral organizations. Three case studies, The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Forum (APEC) and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), are selected in order to analyse China’s decision to join and participate in these organizations. It is argued that international governance in Asia, with China’s membership, has its own characteristics. Supranational elements are kept to a minimum. China is willing to cooperate but does not want to compromise on its sovereignty. However, in several cases membership is essential to safeguard domestic policy interests, mainly safeguarding territorial integrity and participation in international trade. Moreover, membership in international organizations guarantees an effective representation of its interests versus other great powers that are active in institutional environment in the region. Overall, using a Chinese historical and political perspective increases understanding of its behaviour in multilateral organizations in Asia. However, the strict application of Westphalian sovereignty by the Chinese leadership makes that Chinese behaviour in regional multilateral organizations can well be understood with the help of the English School paradigm.