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Cai, C. China and International Security: How Law and Politics Work. German Yearbook of International Law, 64(1), 117-146. https://doi.org/10.3790/gyil.64.1.117
Cai, Congyan "China and International Security: How Law and Politics Work" German Yearbook of International Law 64.1, 2022, 117-146. https://doi.org/10.3790/gyil.64.1.117
Cai, Congyan (2022): China and International Security: How Law and Politics Work, in: German Yearbook of International Law, vol. 64, iss. 1, 117-146, [online] https://doi.org/10.3790/gyil.64.1.117

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China and International Security: How Law and Politics Work

Cai, Congyan

German Yearbook of International Law, Vol. 64 (2021), Iss. 1 : pp. 117–146

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Congyan Cai is a professor of Fudan University and an Honorary Professor of East China University of Political Science and Law (ECUPL), China.

Abstract

The history of international relations has demonstrated again and again that, at junctures of great shifts in global power, international peace is likely to be endangered by the accelerated mistrust, misjudgment, and rivalries between the new and old great powers, and that power politics may more often come at the cost of international law. As China becomes a global power, it has become more relevant to international society not only as a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council but also, and more importantly, as a party to disputes. As an in-depth examination of policy and practice of China and the United States concerning security in cyberspace, security at sea, and Taiwan-related security in this article shows, while international law may make a difference, it is not enough to ensure international security. In the context of great power rivalry, politics may often prevail over international law. However, it is also likely that politics could be conducted in a manner that enhances international security.

I. Introduction

Table of Contents

Section Title Page Action Price
Congyan Cai\nChina and International Security: How Law and Politics Work 117
I. Introduction 117
II. The Interplay Between Law and Politics in International Security in Connection with China 120
A. How to Understand International Security 120
B. International Security Arising Against and From China 122
C. How Law and Politics Matter to International Security 124
III. Security in Cyberspace 126
IV. Security in the South China Sea 134
V. Taiwan-Related Security 141
VI. Conclusion 146