Globalisation Rules and China’s Compliance

Abstract

China can best play the game of globalisation, both to its own benefit as well as to the benefit of others, by actively engaging in the process of globalisation rather than avoiding or resisting it. Engaging in this process of globalisation means that China has to play by the rules of the game as, fortunately or unfortunately for China and many other developing countries, most if not all of these rules are designed and controlled by the West, especially the United States. By entering into global regimes and agreeing to play by the rules, China would demonstrate its confidence and willingness to subject itself to compliance tests. This paper examines China’s compliance record in the global treaty system in general and in four specific areas in particular: arms control and disarmament; global trade; human rights; and environmental protection. China’s compliance record is on the whole satisfactory, but much remains to be done. Other major countries and international organisations are closely monitoring China’s compliance behaviour. The paper concludes by suggesting that only when China has mastered the rules of the game and the skills to play them effectively can it attempt to change those rules to its advantage.