Abstract

The rise of China has provoked much debate in the global arena. The key questions are: how have international forces contributed to the rise of China, and how will China impact the global system? Two facts about the rise of China are underappreciated in this debate: first, that China’s rise was accomplished primarily by ‘regional’ economic integration; second, that the rise of China has had the largest impact (both positive and negative) on the region. China’s foreign behaviour, whether assertive or conciliatory towards its neighbours, is likely to determine peace and prosperity in the region and in the world system as a whole (see Beeson 2007a).