The Security Implications to East Asia of Sino-EU Trade Relations

The entire thesis is too long to be presented here, therefore I only chose the parts that explain the reasons why I chose this particular topic, and what I actually learned from the study. This does not necessarily mean that these three parts are best written; indeed, the best could be the longest parts: the Review of Related Literature that encompasses the reading materials I ever read, as well as the Results/Findings: Presentations and Analysis of Data which I gathered from the prominent interviewees.

A. Introduction

The European Union (EU) is now the largest trade partner of China; and China is also the second largest trade partner of the EU. This bilateral relationship has not yet reached its peak; there remains plenty of room for further cooperation in the future. However, China has been continually critized by the western nations for its unwillingness to promote democracy. For the long-term economic benefits, the researcher studied whether China would reformulate its domestic policies with regard to its human rights conditions and democracy in order to strengthen its economic ties with the EU.

In recent years, on the other hand, some areas in East Asia, especially Japan and Taiwan, have been uneasy with China's heavy military modernization alongside its growing economic power. The circumtances surrounding East Asia have become more tense with the 'Great China Threat Theory' created by some western politicians — it is said that China would play the role of the region's hegemon, and thus would put East Asia into 'danger'. China then reassures its neighbors that her stronger status would not make her evil; on the contrary, it would do the region good.

The study aimed to compile, analyze, and interpret substantial related articles to find out the security implications for East Asia of stronger Chinese-European economic relations, with the assitance of interviews with Foreign Service Officers, academics, and journalists.

B. Significance of the Study

This study presented an account of the security implications of the occuring trade relations between China and the European Union, Japan, and Taiwan. Through the study on current Chinese-European trade relations, readers would be aware that democratization and coorperation in international norms are needed for the promotion of economic development.

As students of International Relations and Diplomacy wanting to help promote peace and security in the not-so-stable East Asia, an understanding of the region's security environment is therefore crucial. China's political and military powers are enlarging with its strong economic growth; the researcher provided the readers with the analyses and interpretations of changes of the socio-political environment within its soil as well as interactions with its neighbors led by its evolving role and status in the region. The findings might be of value to portraying the security environment of East Asia as a community.

Finally, the methodology that was used in this study might serve as a model of examining a region's security environment in the context of one states as the major actor. Hopefully, this study would contribute to broading ad deepening the insights, and enhancing the foresights of anyone who wishes to become a spectator and player of the contemporary dynamic East Asia.

C. Conclusion

Since China and the European Union have different cultures and values, it may be difficult for the Europeans to understand what form of political systems, in this study, human rights conditions and democracy specifically, that would be most suitable for China and its people. China has become more open to new and foreign ideas, the human rights conditions and democracy would improve gradually; slowly but surely. Therefore, China does not need to heed EU's demands regarding the subject mentioned all at once if it feels it is not comfortable yet with. Instead, do whatever it thinks would be best for it and its people at the right time with the right pace.

It is true that China is continuously modernizing its military establishment, but there is a widespread belief that it would not use it for evil purposes. According to history, China did not act aggresively during its golden times. Instead, it traded more with its neighboring nations. Even nowadays, although China is emerging as a new economic, political, and military power, it has not made any aggressive steps to threaten its neighbors. China needs a peaceful and stable place to sustain its economic development, and thus would be more amiable towards its neighboring countries. It is looking for economic oportunities, but not diplomatic crises.

Japan might think that the dramatic economic growth of China is a threat to them, because China might become more successful and influential than it, or even a regional leader in Asia. At the same time, Japan knows that China is indeed a major factor for its economic recovery. Hence, Japan would keep or even form tighter relationship with China for the sake of its economy.

Taiwan is also aware of how important China is to its economy. In addition, it may also have realized that its dream of independence could not possibly come true. As a result, instead of stubbornly standing against the Communist Party, it began to send different political parties as representatives to openly restore friendship with China.

Having closer trade relations with the EU could directly show the world that it is in China's national interests to obtain more business opportunities and to maximize its potentials to attain economic success. For the benefits of its long-term goals, China would do its best to get what is missing, to improve what is unsatisfactory, and to eliminate what is unnecessary. China is an old civilization with strong foundation, rich history, and adaptable personality; it would never want to ruin its future. To destroy the harmony of its surroundings is to destroy itself. China knows already that a better economic relationship with the EU would do not only itself but the region good, therefore it is pursuing it.