China's National Strategy and Regional / Global Responses

China's recent international strategy reflects a combination of domestic consolidation and expansive regional and global aspirations, emphasizing security, economic self-reliance, and technological leadership. Domestically, the ruling Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has intensified its centralization of power, prioritizing national rejuvenation and bolstering internal security measures to maintain political stability, including Hong Kong. Internationally, China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) continues to reshape global trade and infrastructure networks, while its assertive military posture on its border issues with India, in the South China Sea and Taiwan Strait highlight its militarized direction. The modernization of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) underscores China's emphasis on power projection and deterrence. This posture has invited varied global and regional responses. The U.S. has expanded alliances in the Indo-Pacific, such as through AUKUS and the Quad. Japan and India have strengthened military cooperation and defense policies. Southeast Asian and Pacific Ocean nations, while economically benefiting from new ties with Beijing, face challenges balancing these relationships with security concerns. European states have also increasingly viewed China through a security lens, reflected in new developments in NATO concerns. The papers in this panel focus on the ongoing regional and global concerns over the evolving Chinese security and political initiatives.