Reimagining the Indo-Pacific: a critical Chinese perspective on regional identity and International Relations

Abstract

The Indo-Pacific region’s strategic importance is underscored by its vital maritime routes, which serve as lifelines for international trade and energy transport. Some of the busiest shipping lanes in the world, including the Strait of Malacca, the Suez Canal, and the Strait of Hormuz, traverse this area. Maintaining the safety and accessibility of these waterways is essential not only for local interests but for the global economy as a whole. The region’s thriving economies, including those of India and Southeast Asia nations, further highlight its significance. These economies are centres of industry, innovation, and expanding consumer markets, drawing substantial international investment and encouraging competition for influence among major nations.

The geopolitical landscape of the Indo-Pacific is characterized by a tangled web of alliances, rivalries, and security threats. Territorial disputes in the South China Sea, North Korea’s nuclear ambitions, and escalating tensions between China and the United States contribute to the region’s complex security environment. The involvement of non-regional countries in these conflicts has the potential to alter the global geopolitical balance. Additionally, the region’s rich socio-political tapestry, shaped by a wide variety of cultures, religions, and historical traditions, creates obstacles to regional integration and peaceful cohabitation, calling for nuanced diplomatic initiatives.

This study aims to challenge the traditional view of the Indo-Pacific as a battleground for power struggles between Western liberal democracies and authoritarian regimes, primarily focusing on the strategic rivalry between the United States and China. These conventional geopolitical narratives often depict the region as a static and Eurocentric entity, neglecting its dynamic and evolving nature. By taking a critical stance, especially from a Chinese perspective, this study hopes to present a more sophisticated understanding of the Indo-Pacific.

The theoretical basis of this study is grounded in critical theories of International Relations, which question conventional understandings of global politics. These theories emphasize the role of historical, social, and cultural circumstances in shaping international phenomena. By shifting away from a state-centric and often Eurocentric approach, critical IR theories call for an investigation of how power dynamics, ideologies, and discourses impact international relations. This study applies these critical theories to the Indo-Pacific region, aiming to illuminate underrepresented voices, especially from the Global South and the Chinese perspective.

In addition to critical geopolitics, the study incorporates postcolonial theory to deconstruct the lasting impacts of colonialism and imperialism on the region’s political, economic, and cultural systems. Postcolonial theory emphasizes the importance of historical legacies, contemporary power imbalances, and international capitalist processes in shaping regional dynamics. This theoretical lens allows for a critical examination of the role of colonial legacies and contemporary power structures in shaping the actions and interactions of state and non-state actors in the Indo-Pacific.

Regional studies contribute to a nuanced understanding of the unique historical, cultural, and political contexts within the Indo-Pacific. This field of study recognizes the diversity of countries in the region, each with its own unique history, culture, and path to development. Regional studies urge an investigation of the distinct regional dynamics, instead of relying on overly simplistic or overly generalized global theories. This approach shines brightest when applied to the study of the interplay between specific regional conditions and more general shifts in international politics.

Methodologically, the study combines qualitative and quantitative analysis to provide a comprehensive understanding of the Indo-Pacific. Primary data sources include policy documents, official statements, and speeches by Chinese leaders, providing first-hand insights into China’s strategic intentions and narratives. Secondary data is drawn from academic journals, books, and reputable news outlets, offering a broad perspective on the existing body of knowledge regarding the Indo-Pacific and China’s foreign policy. Thematic analysis is employed to identify key patterns and themes related to Eurocentric geopolitical narratives, China’s geopolitical strategies, regional governance, and cultural dimensions. This methodological approach ensures that the study’s arguments are well-founded and grounded in both theoretical and empirical evidence.

The study’s structure is designed to systematically explore the research objectives and theoretical-methodological approach. The introduction contextualizes the significance of the Indo-Pacific in contemporary international politics, highlighting the region’s strategic maritime routes, thriving economies, and complex geopolitical landscape. The first section introduces the research questions and objectives, providing an overview of the theoretical and methodological approach.

The historical evolution of the Indo-Pacific concept and China’s historical engagement with the region are examined in the second section. This analysis focuses on key events and policies that have shaped the region's identity, discussing the shift from the Asia-Pacific to the Indo-Pacific and its implications for regional dynamics. It highlights China’s strategic interests in the region, encompassing economic, military, and political dimensions.

The third section delves into China’s key strategic interests in the Indo-Pacific, with a particular focus on the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and China’s maritime policies. It analyses how these strategies influence regional security dynamics and economic interdependence. The section also explores how China constructs and projects its vision of regional identity in the Indo-Pacific, examining the narratives and discourses employed by Chinese leaders and policymakers. It discusses the role of cultural diplomacy and soft power in promoting China’s regional identity.

The power dynamics between China and other major actors in the Indo-Pacific, including the United States, India, Japan, and ASEAN, are examined in the fourth section. This analyses the implications of China’s rise for regional stability and international relations, discussing the strategic partnerships and alliances formed in response to China’s policies. Specific case studies of countries and regions within the Indo-Pacific are presented to illustrate China’s influence and interactions. This section includes an analysis of the South China Sea dispute and its significance in China’s Indo-Pacific strategy.

The fifth section provides policy recommendations for regional actors and international organizations to address the challenges posed by China’s Indo-Pacific strategy. It suggests ways to enhance cooperation and dialogue to promote regional stability and inclusive development. The section discusses the potential for conflict resolution and the role of multilateral institutions in fostering a cooperative regional framework.

The conclusion synthesizes the findings of the study, emphasizing the need for a decolonized and more nuanced understanding of the Indo-Pacific. It reiterates the importance of challenging traditional geopolitical narratives and incorporating critical and postcolonial perspectives to better reflect the region’s complexities. The conclusion also highlights the broader implications of the research for international relations scholarship and policymaking, advocating for more inclusive and context-sensitive approaches to regional and global affairs.