China’s regional dominance in East Asia is a good example of a National Security Strategy meant to assert dominance over a region. As the leading power in East Asia, China strengthens its influence through economic, military, and diplomatic efforts to guarantee its security and create a sphere of influence that would prevent possible threats. A review of the country’s regional hegemony policy shows that though it provides stability and security, it creates tension with neighbors, deterring its hegemonic missions at the regional level.
Regional hegemony has its merits for China as it guarantees security and stability within the country’s borders. In this capacity, the nation’s rise as the preeminent state in East Asia ensures that any potential aggressor will think twice before pilfering China’s sovereign rights (Medin, 2020). Furthermore, regional security strengthens China’s power over regional countries and enables it to influence the policies and economic frameworks of the region in its favor. For instance, the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is China’s effort to enhance economic cooperation and increase infrastructure presence in neighboring countries. Hence, the regional hegemony policy has helped China establish its dominance in the East Asia region.
The regional hegemony strategy has drawbacks. South China Sea territorial claims and China’s border conflicts with its neighbors, including India, contribute to further tensions and insecurity in the region (Rubiolo, 2020). Such actions strengthened China’s security and search for allies in other countries, such as the United States, thus negating the Chinese hegemonistic impulse. However, this domination can cause diplomatic and economic consequences. For example, Australia and Japan are suspicious of China’s policy and aggression in international politics (Balogun et al., 2020). Such tension may cause conflict that would hinder regional security and economic stability, giving China a hard time actualizing its hegemonic missions at the regional level.
In essence, a regional hegemonic position in East Asia benefits China in terms of security and power but has shortfalls when it comes to regional conflict and diplomatic pressure. The country has made significant developments in its region, depicting its power. However, the optimization of these factors is a challenge for China as it seeks to find ways to enhance its lasting dominance in the region.
References
Balogun, A. D., Moyosore, M. O., Ahmad, A. A., & Ishaq, A. W. A. (2020). Can China rise to the position of the world’s most powerful nation? Challenges and prospects. International Journal of Academic Research in Public Policy and Governance, 7(1), 50-78. http://dx.doi.org/10.46886/IJARPPG/v7-i1/7174
Medin, J. (2020). Rising tensions: The effects of China’s rise on the United States, China’s regional neighbors, and the international system. Johns Hopkins Libraries. https://jscholarship.library.jhu.edu/items/e30310cf-25dc-4b5e-9308-2bc3ce99599d
Rubiolo, M. F. (2020). The South China sea dispute: A reflection of Southeast Asia’s economic and strategic dilemmas (2009-2018). Revista de Relaciones Internacionales, Estrategia y Seguridad, 15(2), 115-30. http://dx.doi.org/10.18359/ries.4336
