Poverty Reduction and Neighborhood Diplomacy under ASEAN + China Framework 3
IV. Cooperation on Poverty Reduction and Neighborhood Diplomacy
(A) The new development of surrounding situations gives a new mission to the poverty reduction diplomacy.
In recent years, China's surrounding environment has maintained generally good, but uncertain and unstable factors have been on the rise. First, the United States pursues the "Asia-Pacific Rebalancing" strategy, so that the power structure of the Asia-Pacific region becomes even more unbalanced. The United States increases its military presence in the forefront of the Asia-Pacific, consolidates and strengthens security ties with Asia-Pacific allies and partners to promote the bilateral alliance system to change into a trilateral and multilateral network structure so as to strengthen America's position as a regional security center. While consolidating the political, defense and economic cooperation with regional traditional allies and partners, the United States also penetrates its cooperation into the humanities and social fields, which not only further strengthens the security dependence of regional countries, but also reduces their emotional rejection once existing to the United States, thus the trend of "relying on the United States in security" more apparent in the Asia-Pacific dualistic structure.
Second, the disputes on islands and maritime rights and interests between China and neighboring countries tend to be intensified. Under the influence of "American strategy of returning to Asia", the situation of "shelving disputes" between China and its neighboring countries that have requested territorial sovereignty in a region by statement for years has been broken. Some countries that have territorial sovereignty disputes with Chins hope to rely on the United States to enhance their status on the current occasion when China is not strong enough. They try to raise the actual control on disputable waters and islands to a jurisprudential control, which leads to the continuous tension in the East China Sea and the South China Sea. Especially on the issue of the South China Sea, with the Philippines unilaterally submitting the dispute to international arbitration, the United States, Philippines and Vietnam made unprovoked attacks on the construction of China in Nansha islands, and Japan also tried to participate in the patrol in the South China Sea. With these influences, dual games on the South China Sea[1] are being intensified, which has produced negative spillover effects.Third, the "trust deficit" between China and some neighboring countries is increasing. As the increasing national strength of China and the in-depth advancing of "Asia-Pacific Rebalancing" strategy of the United States, the pattern of the East Asian region is undergoing in-depth adjustment. Trust relationship between China and neighboring countries are experiencing new tests, and the issue of mutual trust is heating up again. Some neighboring countries are anxious about the more aggressive diplomacy of China, worried that China would squeeze their survival and development space, and questioning its sincerity and determination on the path of peaceful development: Their policies to China enter a phase of adjustment and adaptation. Penetrated by the United States, the trend of ASEAN countries, "relying on the United States in security and relying on China in economy" is evident. In addition, Japan, India, Australia and other countries also increase their economic and security investment into ASEAN countries, thus encouraging the regional countries a mentality of take-all on both sides.
Fourth, Chinese initiatives and regional cooperation are confronted with challenges. The United States pursues the "Trans-Pacific Strategic Economic Partnership Agreement" (TPP) negotiations, the New Silk Road Plans and the "Indo-Pacific Economic Corridor Program to secretly impede the implementation of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) and China's large projects in Myanmar. To contain China's development, Japan competes for the dominant right of regional cooperation, and also increases its investment in some ASEAN countries. Japan promotes the construction of network interconnectivity different from the direction of China, and competes for the railway market of Thailand and Indonesia with China through driving down lending rates, construction costs and other means to[1] Powers (mainly the United States, Japan and China) carry out strategic competition in the issue of South China Sea, and the small countries use the competition efforts of the powers for interest gaming.
hedge the effects of AIIB by expanding infrastructure investment. India put forward the "Mausam Project" and the "Spice Road Program" to oppose China-Pakistan Economic Corridor to secretly obstruct China's cooperation with small- and medium-sized countries of South Asia such as Sri Lanka and Maldives through the disputed Kashmir region. Due to the interference of foreign forces and sovereignty and territorial disputes, the East Asian cooperation of China with "10 + 3" as the main channel is confronted with great difficulties, and the "One Belt One Road" initiative is facing many political and security risks.
These factors make China's diplomacy with neighboring countries, especially the diplomacy to ASEAN, face new challenges and pressures. Under the background of "trust deficit" expanding between China and neighboring countries, the strategic effect of traditional "enhancing political relations by economic cooperation" is on the decline, therefore, [1]we must explore new channels and methods of cooperation to rebuild the mutual trust between China and its neighboring countries. It is undoubtedly a complex system work, in which the diplomacy of poverty reduction that is the closest to the livelihood of vulnerable people, the mostly reflects the concept of common development, and is the easiest to gain the recognition of all parties plays an irreplaceable role.
(B) The cooperation on poverty reduction is an experimental field to implement the new ideas of neighborhood diplomacy.
The new central collective leadership with Xi Jinping as General Secretary attaches great importance to the neighborhood diplomacy, puts it in the first place of strategic layout of diplomacy, and has proposed a series of new diplomatic concepts. Poverty reduction cooperation is the key to implementing these concepts.
First, to deepen the China-ASEAN cooperation in poverty reduction under the "10 + 1" framework is the objective requirements for sticking to the correct concept of justice and benefit. Adhering to the correct concept of justice and benefit in diplomatic work is an important thought that the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping as General Secretary put forward based on the new developments under the current world situation and new tasks of China's diplomacy. It not only condenses the moral essence of Chinese traditional culture, but also reflects the code
[1] Gao Cheng: "The challenge of the changes of the surrounding environment to the rise of China", "International Studies", No.5 2013, p.35.
of conduct of current China in the international community; it is both the concept innovation of Chinese international strategies and the guiding principle of China's diplomatic practice. [1]Xi Jinping pointed out: We hope common development of the world, and especially hope developing countries accelerate their development. We have an obligation to provide assistance for poor countries within our capacity, sometimes even have to value justice above material gains, sacrifice interests to faithfulness, and must not be mercenary or square accounts in every detail. [2] With the accelerated development of economic globalization and society informatization, the interdependence among countries is deepening, which requires all countries to take into account the legitimate concerns of other countries in the pursuit of their national interests, and promote common development of all countries in pursuit of their national development. The proposing of correct concept of justice and benefit not only makes clear the important identity positioning that China is a responsible member of the international community, but also realizes the dialectical unity of achieving common prosperity and seeking its own development. It marks that China connects its own development with the development of the world, and the interests of the Chinese people with the common interests of all peoples, as well as the Chinese dream with the world dream. Poverty reduction cooperation is to carry out the right concept of justice and benefit, implement the principle of "giving more and asking for less" and "only giving without taking" in its relationship with neighboring developing countries to support their development in its own development at the same time so as to achieve common prosperity.
Second, to deepen the China-ASEAN cooperation in poverty reduction under the "10 + 1" framework is an important manifestation to practice the neighborhood diplomacy featuring amity, sincerity, mutual benefit and inclusiveness. Xi Jinping noted at the Conference on the Diplomatic Work with Neighboring Countries held in October 2013 that the basic principle for China's neighborhood diplomacy is to adhere to the policy of building good neighborly relationship and partnership with neighboring countries and the policy of bringing harmony, security and prosperity to the neighbors, and to highlight the concept of amity, sincerity, mutual benefit and inclusiveness. Amity is to consolidate the friendship affection that is geographically
[1] Qin Yaqing: "Correct concept of justice and benefit: concept innovation and practice principles of China's diplomacy in the new era", www.qstheory.cn, June 16, 2014, http: //www.qstheory.cn/dukan/qs/2014-06/16 /c_1111103905.htm. (Login Time: May 30, 2015)
[2]"Xinhua website commentary: Another major practice of the new idea of China's diplomacy", www.xinhuanet.com, November 24, 2014, http: //news.xinhuanet.com/comments/2014-11/24/c_1113369425.htm. (Login Time: May 30, 2015)
close and intimate with neighboring countries. Sincerity refers to the way to get along with people that treats people with sincerity, and gains the heart of people with trust. Mutual benefit refers to the cooperation concept that benefits the neighboring regions for mutual benefits and win-win results. Inclusiveness means a mind of a great power that demonstrates openness and tolerance, and seeks common ground while reserving differences. The proposing of the "four words" concept demonstrates the determination of China to be good neighbor, good friend and good partner of neighboring countries. With China's sustained and rapid economic development and continuous enhancement of its comprehensive national strength, the expectation of neighboring developing countries on China is on the rise. They hope to not only catch the express train of China's economic development, but also get its concrete assistance of development. Poverty reduction cooperation fully reflects the essence of the four words - amity, sincerity, mutual benefit and inclusiveness.
Third, to deepen the China-ASEAN cooperation in poverty reduction under the "10 + 1" framework is an important component to build a community of common destiny for Asia. To build an "Asian community of common destiny" is an important part of the new strategy of Chinese diplomacy with neighboring countries since the 18th CPC National Congress, and also an institutional and concept innovation proposed on the basis that China sums up the experience of the community development and the regional cooperation of Asian countries, combined with the new changes in the political, economic, social and security development of Asia and the world under the condition that the regional cooperation of East Asia is facing frustrations, expectations, challenges and opportunities at the same time. [1] It requires all countries to seek common ground while reserving differences, share weal and woe, interests and responsibilities to seek common development with a mentality of openness and inclusiveness and win-win cooperation, promote mutual strategic trust through peaceful dialogue and coordination, and establish a more equal and more balanced new development partnership and new security partnership, so as to promote the realization of new international relations and international order. Poverty reduction cooperation pays close attention to vulnerable groups of all countries to enable them to share development dividend and opportunities through policy support and capital, technology and equipment assistance, so as to prevent increased social differentiation between the rich and the poor. It makes the concept of community of common destiny
[1] Liu Zongyi: "Connotation and building thought for Asian community of common destiny", "International Studies" No.2015, p.46.
to be practical in the general public, and gains their acceptance and support.
(C) The cooperation on poverty reduction is an important means to address changes in the situation of the neighborhood diplomacy.
International cooperation in reduction cooperation is an important component in China's neighborhood diplomacy, and also an important initiative for China to strengthen political, economic and social relations with its neighboring countries.
First, to deepen the China-ASEAN cooperation in poverty reduction under the "10 + 1" framework is conducive to consolidating the basis of the relationship between China and its friendly neighbors. Some ASEAN countries are undergoing major political, social and economic transformation. With the development of globalization, most ASEAN countries have found a development path suited to their national conditions, gone from poverty and backwardness to development and revitalization, and stepped into a fast lane of economic development. At the same time, uneven development is still an outstanding issue. Many countries are faced with serious problems such as extreme disparity between the rich and the poor, social differentiation, underemployment and environmental degradation, and social conflicts are deepening. In addition, the extremist political forces emerge in some countries and regions, hoping to resolve economic and social issues through political approach. Stimulated by the "Global Democracy Promotion" strategy, the United States and other Western countries are waiting to launch a "Color Revolution" in relevant countries, and foster pro-Western forces to come to power, all of which pose a great pressure on the current ruling team that maintains long-term friendship with China, and make the prospects of China's relations with the relevant countries variable. To strengthen the cooperation with relevant countries in poverty reduction and to help poor local people out of poverty contribute to both maintaining the stability of the local society and consolidating the basis of the friendship between target countries and China, so that China can still stand in an invincible position in case changes occur in the political situations of the target countries.
Second, to deepen the China-ASEAN cooperation in poverty reduction under the "10 + 1" framework is an effective means to cope with the neighborhood strategic competition of the United States and Japan. The main purpose of the implementation of the "Asia-Pacific Rebalancing" strategy of the United States is to consolidate and expand its leading position in the Asia Pacific region so as to prevent the emergence of challenges from China's rapid rise. In the "Asia-Pacific Rebalancing" strategy, Southeast Asia is the focus of efforts of the United States. In addition to actively participating in regional multilateral mechanisms such as the East Asia Summit and the Enlarged Conference of the ASEAN Secretaries of Defense, the United States also consolidates and strengthens the defense cooperation with regional allies and partners in terms of security, promotes the TPP negotiations in terms of economy, and has launched the "U.S.-ASEAN Expanded Economic Engagement" and the "Lower Mekong Initiative". [1]In order to compete with China for the influence in Asia, Japan has also increased its investment in the political, economic and security fields in ASEAN countries. After taking office at the end of 2012, Prime Minister Abe visited Southeast Asia within 11 months for five times and all the ten ASEAN countries. The penetration of the United States and Japan attaches importance to not only the government level, but also the civil society and the grassroots. Therefore, to maintain the traditional influence in ASEAN countries, especially the good situation created since the late 1990s, China must make exploration and innovation in various fields, and make full use of the livelihood projects involved in poverty reduction cooperation to enable China's development to benefit the general public, so as to consolidate and expand the foundation of the public opinion on China in the local regions. At the same time, poverty reduction cooperation is conducive to the spread of China's own experience in poverty reduction, which can fully demonstrate the benefits of the Chinese model to neighboring developing countries, thus enhancing its attractiveness to the countries.
Third, to deepen the China-ASEAN cooperation in poverty reduction under the "10 + 1" framework is conducive to the promotion of the "One Belt One Road" initiative. The "One Belt One Road" initiative is a major strategic initiative of the new central collective leadership to deepen reform and opening up and expand regional cooperation. With the release of the "Vision and Proposed Actions Outlined on Jointly Building Silk Road Economic Belt and 21st-Century Maritime Silk Road", the "One Belt One Road" initiative has begun from planning and arrangement to implementation, and various risks and challenges it faces will emerge gradually. These risks and challenges are both from the harsh competition and obstruction of the United States, Japan and India, and from the suspicion of the countries along the Maritime Silk Route on our strategic intents. The disputes between China and some
[1] Ruan Zongze et al: "Twilight of Power Feast - 'Asia-Pacific rebalancing' strategy of the United States and the countermeasures of China", Current Affairs Press, July 2005, p.36.
ASEAN countries about the territorial and maritime rights and interests will contain the development of "One Belt One Road", the 21st-Century Maritime Silk Road in particular. To deepen the China-ASEAN cooperation in poverty reduction under the "10 + 1" framework and to enable poor people of ASEAN countries to really enjoy the benefits not only help to offset the negative public relations of Western countries on the "One Belt One Road" initiative, but also is of great significance to gaining the local public support through the interconnectivity project under the framework of "One Belt One Road". Otherwise, a number of major projects will be vulnerable to the opposition and attacks of nationalists and supporters of the "China Threat" theory.
At present, China-ASEAN cooperation has formed a good basis for poverty reduction. China has established a survey base of international poverty reduction training mainly for ASEAN countries in Guangxi, and opened multiple international seminars on experience in poverty alleviation. Furthermore, China also irregularly holds training courses of capacity building of officials and poverty reduction policies and practices at the request of ASEAN countries, and provides scholarships and degree education for excellent young cadres. In the "Plan of Action to Implement the Joint Declaration on ASEAN-China Strategic Partnership for Peace and Prosperity" officially signed by the Chinese government and ASEAN in 2011, the cooperation on poverty reduction is one of the important projects. The "Report of the East Asia Vision Group II" published in November 2012 takes the eradication of poverty as a priority for 10 + 3 cooperation. At the 17th ASEAN Plus China, Japan and ROK (10 + 3) Summit in November 2014, Prime Minister Li Keqiang put forward the implementation of the "Cooperation Initiative on Poverty Alleviation in East Asia", and proposed to provide 100 million yuan to carry out rural poverty reduction promotion plan, and establish demonstration pilots of East Asian cooperation on poverty reduction.
The above-mentioned policy planning injects new vitality to the China-ASEAN cooperation in poverty reduction, and starts a new direction of cooperation, which not only enriches the existing cooperation mechanisms and frameworks of both sides, but also will create new modes of cooperation.
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