Changes, Impacts and Trends of the Current International Configuration of Powers

Yang Jiemian

Abstracts: The international configuration of powers that the West dominated for five centuries started to change at the end of the Second World War. Since then, the past seven decades have witnessed the growth and development of the non-Western forces. It was expected that in 30 years the power of non-West forces will be as strong as the West, thus the world would become more stable and balanced. However, the world also confronts with greater difficulties and challenges than before. The global economy experiences sluggish growth. The balance between international forces is in transition. The international mechanisms remain non-dynamic. Therefore, the main forces need to remove interferences, fully understand the general trends of the international developments. Furthermore, they should accurately define their respective and collective strategic positions, adhere to multilateralism, oppose unilateralism, and promote a more justified and rational international system, order and global governance.

Keywords: international configuration of powers, global governance, international system, international order, China’s diplomacy

New Sino-US Strategic Games and China’s Strategy

Wang Honggang

Abstract: Sino-US relations will definitely experience adjustments as the world is facing complex changes. The two countries are involved in strategic games. Since the confidence in America is fading and anxiety is increasing, its China policy becomes more radical. The two sides have their own strength and weakness respectively in the competition. In the short term, America is holding the upper hand and China is in a relatively passive position. It the medium- and long-term, there will be more balance between the two. The strategic games between China and the US will be the major issue of international politics in the first half of the 21st century and the most prominent external challenge China faces. China needs to make strategic adjustments to deal with the new situation. The strategic games, if well treated, will be helpful in terms of correcting the imbalance of the international order and the co-evolution of both the two countries and the whole world.

Keywords: Sino-US relations, strategic games, US strategy toward China, China’s strategy toward the US

On “Competitive Coexistence” between China and the US in Asia-Pacific

Yang Wenjing

Abstract: The Trump administration has characterized US-China relations as “all-around competitive,” and competition across all fields with China now becomes the top priority on US national security agenda. Sino-US relations in the Asia-Pacific region have now entered a mode of “competitive coexistence.” The bilateral relations are dominated by competition and complemented by cooperation. This trend of development is the result of the long-term interactions between China and the US in the region. To manage it well, both sides need to be wary of each other’s bottom line, compete benignly, and expand cooperation simultaneously.

Keywords: China-US, Asia-Pacific, competitive coexistence

Belt and Road Initiative from the Perspective of Transfer of International Industry

Zhao Hongtu

Abstract: Ever since the proposal of the Belt and Road Initiative, discussions have been mainly focused on its political implications and possible policies while international public opinion discusses it from a geopolitical perspective and some even label it as a game for power. Although it was initiated by China, it is a universal fact that the Initiative is in compliance with the law of international industrial shift and the trend of global economic development. The Belt and Road Initiative can be indeed taken as an upgraded edition or a new stage of Chinese firms’ “going out” policy—an effort to become real international enterprises—as well as an important part of international industrial shift. China is increasingly becoming a provider in the process of international industrial shift and the countries along the Belt and Road the recipients. In the future, the world economic growth center could be the countries along the Belt and Road. As to which country or countries will take over the shifting industries to materialize?industrialization and economic growth, it depends not only on factors such as their stage of economic development, technology, costs and geography, but also on their domestic and foreign policies.

Keywords: Belt and Road Initiative, international industrial shift, world economy

Donald Trump Administration’s Africa Strategy and Its Impact

Song Wei

Abstract: Africa is emerging as an important pole in the global economy and politics. In December 2018, the Donald Trump administration outlined a new Africa strategy, introducing a new vision of US-African relations. It includes establishing mutually beneficial and equitable economic and trade relations; having African countries play a leading role in security issues; adding political conditions to offer the aid. This strategy reflects that Africa’s position in the US global strategy is further declining. President Donald Trump is pushing the “America First” in Africa, and the Cold War mindset of containing the external powers has been distorting the US perception of Africa. Trump’s Africa strategy not only damages Africa’s independent development and the fragile strategic mutual trust between US and Africa, but also has a negative impact on global governance.

Keywords: US diplomacy, Trump administration, Africa strategy, US-Africa relations

(Edited By Zhang Yimeng)