China’s ongoing push to change the international security order entered a new phase with the launch of the Global Security Initiative (GSI) in April 2022. The GSI promotes a set of distinct security concepts and principles — many of which reflect Beijing’s longstanding international normative preferences, such an emphasis on territorial sovereignty and noninterference. USIP is tracking how the GSI is being operationalized by China, with an initial focus on essay series examining China’s GSI activities in Southeast Asia and Central Asia.
On the global stage, China seeks to position the GSI as a framework for world peace in contrast with the current U.S.-led security order. In addition to boosting the GSI and other initiatives through the United Nations and branding China’s role in international diplomacy as GSI activities, China has begun associating bilateral and regional security activities like counterterrorism partnerships, policing assistance, and cybersecurity cooperation with the GSI as well. While these efforts offer some insights into this still nascent initiative, many aspects of the GSI remain unclear. What are China’s areas and issues of focus? What is new and what is a repackaging of existing projects and relationships? Several USIP essays series will examine these questions and more.
Central Asia
Coming soon. USIP will publish a series of essays on the impact of GSI in Central Asia, highlighting voices from the region.
Southeast Asia
China’s Alternative Approach to Security Along the Mekong River
Chiang Mai University’s Narut Charoensri explains how the Mekong Subregion became a testing ground for China’s GSI activities — and why China will need to address its own role in the subregion’s security problems to establish its legitimacy as a security partner.
China's Vision for Global Security: Implications for Southeast Asia
Researcher Thy Try explains that as China tries to establish itself a counterbalance to the U.S.-led security order, Southeast Asian nations should remain skeptical of China’s expanding political influence due to unresolved territorial disputes and questions over cybersecurity.
Featured Publications
China Looks to Fill a Void in Central Asia
USIP’s Carla Freeman, Alley McFarland and Gavin Helf look at what’s driving China’s growing engagement in Central Asia, what these countries are looking to get out of their relationships with Beijing and how the United States can compete with China in the region.
Xi Ramps Up Campaign for a Post-Pax Americana Security Order
While the GSI has gained traction with some states, the recent trips to Washington by the South Korean and Philippine presidents show that even in China’s neighborhood, many countries still see Washington as the world’s leading strategic security partner. As Beijing continues its GSI campaign, Washington should consider the implications for U.S. policy and how it can respond effectively.
