China's Global Security Initiative Under the Microscope

China's strategy, either leading existing global bodies or establishing new ones, took a significant leap at the Boao Forum 2022. During the event, Xi Jinping announced the Global Security Initiative (GSI), the detailed strategy of which remains shrouded in secrecy to this day. Under the initiative, China led the value system of "upholding the principle of indivisible security, building a balanced, effective and sustainable security architecture, and oppose the building of national security on the basis of insecurity in other countries".

The GSI is currently in the development phase, with some scholars portraying it as an initiative aimed at addressing what they see as unnecessary U.S. involvement in the Indo-Pacific (Asia-pacific) region by forging partnerships with like-minded nations. On the other side, there is an opinion that through the GSI, China intends to establish a new security paradigm, often referred to as an "Asian NATO led by China." The unique timing of presenting this initiative adds an intriguing dimension to the discussions surrounding it. Why Global Security Initiative?

Growing minilateralism around disputed South China sea

Not only in the South China Sea, but also in matters related to the Taiwan issue and territorial disputes with Japan, China perceives itself as being cornered by groups led by the USA. These include AUKUS, QUAD, as well as unilateral security pacts with Taiwan, Japan, and South Korea. In the aftermath of Russia's invasion, the USA is working to establish a structure akin to NATO in Asia, with the goal of countering both China and Russia, while simultaneously strengthening existing alliances directed against China. Through the GSI, China aims to disrupt the perimeter constructed by the USA. The strategy involves forging security pacts in regions such as Southeast Asia, Africa, South Asia, and potentially South America. The primary role of the GSI would be to position this collective against the Western hegemony led by the USA.

Russian invasion destroyed the image of west led security initiative

While Russia's military operations in Ukraine may be viewed as a strategic blunder due to the prolonged conflict, it has nonetheless achieved one of its goals: breaking the NATO alliance and challenging American security assurances in Eastern Europe. The anxiety for security has heightened in countries like Japan, Korea, Taiwan, and several NATO nations, as the USA-led order has failed to halt the war and punish Russia for its audacious actions. Russia has managed to create a fracture within NATO and its unilateral security partnerships. China, through the GSI, aims to capitalize on this opportunity by presenting an alternative security paradigm to the world. Some scholars argue that the failure of NATO could have detrimental consequences globally, as the USA is now under pressure to react and restore faith in the alliance. However, such reactions could potentially escalate the situation further.

Xi Jining : Chinese president