This book considers the evolving relationship between China and the international system, and the interaction between a China of profound change in its identity, capability, and influence, and an international system that is itself experiencing a process of far-reaching transformation. It develops an analytical framework that allows us to capture, understand and explain a more dynamic pattern of agent-structure interaction in China’s relationship with the international system.

By demonstrating a more dynamic and mutually constitutive relationship between China and the international system, the book explores the extent to which both transform themselves in the process, and provides a fuller and more effective assessment of the evolving nature of the relationship. In doing so, it addresses key issues in the current literature on the relationship of China and the international system, and helps close the gap in our knowledge of the conditions and consequences of change and stability in the international system as a result of the change in distributions of power, capability and influence among nation-states.

This book considers the evolving relationship between China and the international system, and the interaction between a China of profound change in its identity, capability, and influence, and an international system that is itself experiencing a process of far-reaching transformation. It develops an analytical framework that allows us to capture, understand and explain a more dynamic pattern of agent-structure interaction in China’s relationship with the international system.

1. Introduction: China and the International System - Structure, Society and Context Xiaoming Huang and Robert G. Patman  Part 1: Contending Indentities and Evolving Interests: China in Search of Itself  2. Chinese Thinking about World Order David Shambaugh  3. Core Interests and Great Power Responsibilities: The Evolving Pattern of China’s Foreign Policy Suisheng Zhao  4. International Structure and China’s Strategy and Options Canrong Jin  Part 2: Transforming Wealth and Capacity to Institutional Power, Policy Outcomes and Political Influence  5. Commercial Diplomacy: Preferential Trade Agreements and Soft Power Projection Marc Lanteigne  6. China’s Quest for Greater Influence in Global Economic Governance: Accomplishments and Limitations Gerald Chan, Pak K. Lee and Lai-Ha Chan  7. Turning Material Capabilities to Leadership: China in Southeast Asia Marco Bunte and Dirk Nabers  8. China and the Evolving Regional Order in the South Pacific Jian Yang  Part 3: International System and Rising Power: Impact, Interaction and Mutual Constitution  9. Measuring the Impact of the Chinese Economy Peter E. Robertson  10. Fear and China’s Rise: Responses from Northeast Asia Nicholas Khoo and John Bailey  11. China and Global Climate Policy Making: Leadership in a State of Flux Katherine Morton  12. Global Economy, Development Imperatives and Mutual Interests: China and Africa Ian Taylor  13. Conclusion: A Rising China in a Changing International System Xiaoming Huang