SCS issues became increasingly significant lens to reflect Beijing’s diplomatic positions after 2012, as indicated by an increase in questions and answers in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) and an increase in maritime cooperation activities. A more tough diplomatic tone towards maritime disputes in the South China Sea (SCS) combined with actions to mitigate conflicts. Acknowledging the impacts of geopolitical concerns, real power politics, and domestic interests, identity construction has been overlooked regarding the in-depth understanding of Beijing’s predicament of maritime cooperation. Identity defines Self-interests and enhances Self-interests by gaining recognition from Others. Beijing strives to create a positive Self-image as a great power contributing to peace and stability in SCS while negatively depicting the role of Japan and America as troublemakers. Domestic sources of China’s identity are generated from uncompromising stances on SCS disputes to protect national dignity. However, it undermines Beijing’s commitment to joint development and thereby adversely impacts its identity construction in maritime cooperation. Changes in co-occurrence of the top 200 nouns and adjectives of MFA answers reveal that after 2012, SCS was closely connected to internal affairs, and the Chinese government became more sensitive to Japan’s involvement and America’s freedom of navigation. Ideal point estimation shows that from 2004 to 2021, claimant states will take similar policy stances with America and Japan when they have conflicts with Beijing.

Authors:
Peiyu Wang, University of Macau, China
Xiangning Wu, University of Macau, China

About the Presenter(s)
Peiyu Wang is currently a PhD Candidate in Political Science at the Department of Government and Public Administration, University of Macau, China.

See this presentation on the full schedule – Saturday Schedule

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