China's Implementation of the Global Security Initiative in Southeast and Central Asia
China Global
Deep Dive
What are the main objectives of China’s Global Security Initiative (GSI)?
The main objectives of China’s GSI include resetting the terms of the international system to be more favorable to China’s national interests, creating a more justifiable atmosphere for China to expand its security role, especially in the developing world, and establishing a bureaucratic and financial channel for concrete security cooperation with other countries.
How does the GSI relate to pre-existing Chinese security activities?
The GSI is being used to relabel and integrate pre-existing security activities, such as border guard training and low-profile security force presence, into a new framework. It also creates a pipeline for new security-related activities, including police training, smart city technologies, and law enforcement cooperation.
What are the key security interests of China in Southeast Asia and Central Asia, and how is the GSI being used to promote them?
China's key security interests in these regions include addressing non-traditional, transnational security challenges like cybercrime, trafficking, and terrorism. The GSI is being used to assist neighboring governments in mitigating these issues to prevent them from spilling over into China.
What are the concerns of countries in Southeast Asia and Central Asia regarding China’s GSI?
Concerns include historical tensions, territorial disputes, fear of excessive Chinese influence, and potential backsliding in civil society development and political reform. Despite these concerns, most countries are open to cooperation with China to address internal security challenges.
How is the GSI being funded and implemented in these regions?
The GSI is funded through a budget managed by the Chinese foreign ministry. Local governments can apply for funding to undertake small projects like police training and technology exchanges. There are also larger initiatives, such as training 3,000 to 5,000 law enforcement personnel, which are more centrally controlled by China.
Why was the GSI not mentioned in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) joint statement?
The GSI was not mentioned in the SCO joint statement possibly due to protocol reasons, internal decision-making processes, or lack of consensus, particularly from India. China may also be shifting focus to other multilateral platforms like the China-Central Asia Summit for GSI implementation.
How does Russia view China’s GSI in Central Asia?
Russia does not see the GSI as a significant threat to its dominant security role in Central Asia. Regional governments still look to Moscow for security, and China is cautious not to alienate Russia. China’s security cooperation in the region is more focused on softer forms like police training and technology sales.
What are the implications of the GSI for U.S. regional interests in Southeast Asia and Central Asia?
The GSI challenges U.S.-led norms and approaches to international security, promoting a narrative that criticizes U.S. alliances and policies. It also helps authoritarian governments strengthen internal control, which runs counter to U.S. interests in promoting political reform and civil society development.
What should the U.S. do to respond to the GSI?
The U.S. should engage more actively in addressing the security needs of countries in Southeast Asia and Central Asia, such as cybercrime and trafficking, through capacity building and high-level strategic dialogues. The U.S. should also work with allies to ensure that these regions do not become solely dependent on China for security cooperation.
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