On the Future of China’s East Asian Security Policy: The Concept of the “Four Pillars”

　　Abstract: China’s rapid rise and the U.S. re-balancing strategy towards East Asia have caused the bipolarization of the regional economy and its security structure. The later has forced China to face tremendous security pressures, even bog down to an emerging rising dilemma. Internal balancing and reliance on multilateral security institutions alone are an insufficient response to these pressures. This article proposes that China adopt a “four pillar” concept of East Asian security cooperation as a means for it to transition out of this unfavorable position. These four pillars include: China choosing its pivot states from the Asia Pacific region and Sino-U.S Dialogue on Asia Pacific Affairs as two China led or proactive pillars; China actively participating in ASEAN led frameworks for security cooperation and the Six Party Talks as two passive pillars. Bilateral cooperation is central to this concept, with multilateral efforts playing a supportive role. The concept can cover the entire East Asian security framework, including China’s policy towards great powers, and towards small states. While incorporating some institutionally binding elements, it also maintains a degree of flexibility.

　　About the Author: Xu Jin is an Associate Professor in the Institute of World Economics and Politics, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences