A recent analysis by researchers at Northeastern University reveals that China is aiming to position itself as a neutral player in the global security hierarchy while challenging the U.S.-centered order. The researchers found that China has been using English-language discourse to target a wide international audience amidst the Russia-Ukraine war.

The analysis examined China’s external communication during the war, focusing on official statements and press releases from China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as well as media reports from state-controlled China Daily and Xinhua News. This in-depth study is the first of its kind to investigate China’s strategic narratives, which shape its geopolitical reality and influence foreign policy decisions.

According to Xuechen Chen, an assistant professor in politics and international relations at Northeastern University London, China portrays itself as the most suitable player to manage a peaceful global order. However, the research reveals contradictions in China’s narrative. While China echoes Russia’s position on the conflict, it also attempts to distance itself from both Russia and the U.S. by emphasizing its neutrality.

The analysis also sheds light on China’s perspective on the parties involved in the war. China sees the U.S. as the central actor responsible for the conflict, even more so than Russia or Ukraine. It considers NATO as part of a systematic challenge to the security order. Surprisingly, China marginalizes the role of the European Union, regarding Europe as a victim of U.S. and NATO expansion.

China’s strategic narratives reflect its discomfort with the U.S.-centered global security architecture. The research highlights China’s aspiration to reform the global security governance according to its own vision, emphasizing the importance of multilateralism and countering U.S. hegemony.

Regarding China’s views on the Taiwan issue, the research suggests that China’s contradictory stance on the war in Ukraine may negatively impact its claims over Taiwan’s sovereignty. Despite mentioning Taiwan in its narratives, China’s failure to deliver a coherent narrative could undermine its positioning as an objective, neutral player.

China proposes an alternative to the current rules-based international order, which it perceives as based on U.S. hegemony. China promotes the concept of indivisible security, emphasizing negotiation and dialogue as crucial tools for conflict resolution. China opposes the use of sanctions and prefers consensus-based approaches over confrontational alliances.

In conclusion, China’s strategic narratives seek to present itself as a neutral player in the global security hierarchy. However, the research reveals contradictions in China’s position and highlights its desire to challenge and reform the existing U.S.-dominated order.