The Active Rise of China

Abstract

China transformed economically and militarily in the 1990s, and was recognized by the world as a rising power. This chapter examines the process of its rise and finds that in addition to increasing its military and economic power, China also engaged in accommodational behavior. In a switch from its past foreign policy behavior, it now conformed to the existing international order by accepting its norms. It integrated into many international institutions and regimes in the world, and began to also assume leadership roles in various international issues. Simultaneously, it had narratives on how to become a great power through institutional leadership, multilateralism, and acceptance of international responsibility.