Peaceful Rise: The China Threat Theory

China introduced the concept “peaceful rise” to serve as a theoretical framework within which to look at its rise within the international system by advocating and advancing the principles of multilateralism, economic diplomacy and good neighbourliness. The concept came about as a result of the “China Threat Theory” which was embedded in the logic of traditional realist Western IR theories and arguing that China could not conceivably rise peacefully, as China’s immense latent power and rapid economic growth, it will eventually translate into military power which coupled with global influence, will make China emerge as an inevitable preeminent peer competitor of the United States, threatening both its national interests and hegemonic status within the international system.

The “peaceful rise” concept was thus to counter the “China threat theory”. The precursor of the “peaceful rise” concept was to be found in the ‘good neighbourliness’ principle propounded by China’s political elite. The concept of “peaceful rise” as a concrete foreign policy commitment, indicated China’s determination to promote an image of ‘good neighbourliness’ to most Asian countries, most of whom have seen their ties with China improved tremendously in the past decade. The concept was used to emphasize how China’s rise will enhance mutual benefits for both China and the international community, especially its regional neighbours and increase their bargaining power within the international