Introduction to International Politics
Foreign Event Analysis
| Locale | ![[]](http://www.kvasaheim.com/flags/flag15-cn.png "Flag of China") | China |
|---|---|---|
| Title |
Asserting Power
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| Summary |
China and France have reached a point of strained relations. The basis of the fissure has been France’s meeting with the Dalai Lama. The Dalai Lama is a Tibetan spiritual leader who has publicly criticizes the “moral authority” of China. China made it very clear to France that the two states’ ties included mutual benefits that could be at stake. The mutual benefits stem from trade negotiations and China-European summits.
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| Analysis |
Both states are pursuing their self-interest to defend their power. China as a rational actor sees the Dalai Lama as a threat to the government’s power and unity of the people. Disunity among the people of China poses a security threat to a government. The Chinese government has felt the need to assert its power.
The reaction of France can either increase or decrease the relative outlook on China’s power. In this situation, power is measured by influence, ability to force through its threats, of China. A major power can be judged by other states’ dependence on and adherence to it. If France decides to ignore China’ requests, it will show China is not a threatening force to France. Therefore, France is stating it is more powerful than China.
China has postponed the China-European Union Summit upon learning of French President Sarkozy’s plans to meet with the Dalai Lama. This is another assertion of China’s power role within international relations. France could affirm its power by ignoring China’s actions. On the other hand, France might concede declaring its dependence on China.
The Sino-EU summit and trade negotiations are desired elements in today’s globalized world. By suspending both, China has affirmed its self-interest to have its viewpoints heard and recognized.
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| Perspective |  | Realist |
| In-Region URL | ||
| Out-of-Region URL | ||
| Submitted | December 4, 2008 at 7:25 pm | |
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