This article explores how China’s self-perception as a “peaceful riser” influences its foreign policy behavior, particularly its overcorrection in the South China Sea. Liu and Chan argue that Beijing’s fear of appearing weak has paradoxically led to more assertive actions, despite its commitment to a non-threatening international image. This nuanced study reveals how identity narratives shape strategic decisions in Asia-Pacific geopolitics.
Minran Liu, Edward Sing Yue Chan, Imagined Weakness: The peaceful riser identity and Beijing’s policy overcorrection in the South China Sea, International Relations of the Asia-Pacific, Volume 25, Issue 3, 2025, lcaf006, https://doi.org/10.1093/irap/lcaf006
https://academic.oup.com/irap/article/25/3/lcaf006/8213853
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File:BRP Teresa Magbanua being rammed by China Coast Guard vessel 5205.webm
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#ChinaForeignPolicy #SouthChinaSea #PeacefulRise #InternationalRelations #AsiaPacific #StrategicIdentity #Geopolitics
South China Sea
China foreign policy
peaceful rise
imagined weakness
identity in international relations
strategic overcorrection
assertiveness in Asia
Minran Liu
Edward Sing Yue Chan
China-US relations
regional security
IRAP 2025
maritime disputes
international relations of the Asia-Pacific
china,south china sea,china's identity,open access,China foreign policy,peaceful rise,maritime disputes,assertiveness in Asia,international relations of the Asia-Pacific,strategic overcorrection,InternationalRelations
