China's Pacific Policy at the Turn of the Millennium

Based on Barry Buzan's theory, the study concludes that today China cannot be said unequivocally to be performing as a player in a mature anarchy. It shows that there has been a change in the Chinese perception of the outside world and in China's security policy throughout the 1990s. The movement toward a more mature performance has become more marked the past seven to eight years. This research sought to determine the development and status in China's Pacific policy over the past two decades. The research used a theoretical approach provided by Buzan to analyze and determine factors relevant to security policy. Buzan recommends a broadening of the security concept both horizontally and vertically. On the horizontal axis, security is dependent on political democracy and a culture of human rights; social and economic development; environmental sustainability; and military stability. Buzan identifies five dimensions of security: political, societal, economic, environmental, and military, which serve as analytical tools. The research analyzes the five security dimensions against the various levels in the international system. The research points out a method and mechanics which ideally can give a good hint about a country's progress within the international system.