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TEKA
Komisji Politologii i Stosunków Międzynarodowych XI_1/2016.
Commission of Political Science and International Affairs
Spis treści - plik PDF
Strona redakcyjna - editorial page - plik PDF
Elizabeth Freund Larus, Ph.D.
University of Mary Washington, USA,
Political Science and International Relations Affairs
e-mail: elarus@umw.edu
CHINA ASSESSES THE US REBALANCE TO ASIA:
IMPLICATIONS FOR US-CHINA RELATIONS-pełny artykuł (full article) - plik PDF
Abstract. In 2011, the Obama Administration announced a more robust US foreign policy in the
Asia Pacific due to the perception that an increasingly assertive China threatens the peace and
security of the region. Beijing views the rebalance (previously known as the pivot) as an attempt
to prevent China from gaining the preponderance of power in the Asia Pacific. US rebalancing and
Chinas reaction appear to have increased tensions in the region. This article analyzes the implications
of US rebalancing for US-China relations. Specifically, it seeks to answer the question of
whether US economic and military focus on Asia adversely affects US-China relations. It seeks to
answer the following questions. What are US motives, means, and intent for economic and military
rebalancing in Asia? How does Beijing view US rebalancing? What are consequences and unintended
consequences of US rebalancing for US-China relations?
Keywords: US rebalance, the pivot, China-US relations, US foreign policy, Asia Pacific
Agata Wiktoria Ziętek
Maria Curie-Skłodowska University in Lublin,
Faculty of Political Science, Department of International Relations
e-mail: wiktoriazietek@gmail.com
THE SOUTH CHINA SEA: A PLACE OF RIVALRY AND
POWER MANAGEMENT1-pełny artykuł (full article) - plik PDF
Abstract. South China Sea rated geopolitically, economically and strategically. It has been seen
as the hot spot that could be a source of tension in East Asia. Nicholas Spykman described the
region as the Asiatic Mediterranean, while more recently, the term Chinese Caribbean has been
gaining favor and popularity, owing mainly to the ever-increasing importance of China in the
region its efforts to play the role of a regional hegemon. The disputes in the South China Sea are
complex, sometimes misunderstood, and it seems to be very difficult to propose more or less realistic
scenarios for the foreseeable future.
Keywords: South China Sea, UNCLOS, balance of power, conflict, cold war, consociational
security order
Yann-huei Song
Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
Research Fellow, Institute of European and American Studies
e-mail: yhsong@sinica.edu.tw
PEACE, COOPERATION AND MARITIME SECURITY
INITIATIVES IN THE EAST ASIAN SEAS: A STUDY
OF THE PROPOSALS CONTENT, PROGRESS AND
ACHIEVEMENTS-pełny artykuł (full article) - plik PDF
Abstract. The purpose of this article is to examine peace, cooperation, and maritime security initiatives
proposed by China, Japan, the Philippines, Taiwan, and the United States during the period
of time between 2006 and 2015. It consists of seven parts. Following introductory remarks, part II
discusses rising concerns about maritime disputes in international relations. Part III describes the
obligations of the parties to maritime disputes to cooperate and settle their differences by peaceful
means in accordance with international law, particularly the Charter of the United Nations and the
1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Part IV addresses peaceful
means for resolving maritime disputes. In Part V, rising tensions in the East and South China Seas
are briefly reviewed. Part VI examines the contents of these peace, cooperation and security initiatives
that were proposed by China, Japan, the Philippines, Taiwan and the United States during the
period of time between 2006 and 2015. The progress, achievements and challenges lying ahead of
these initiatives are analyzed in Part VII. This article ends with brief concluding remarks in Part VIII.
Key words: Maritime security, South China Sea, East China Sea, United Nations Convention on
the Law of the Sea, peace initiative.
Olaf Pietrzyk
Maria Curie-Skłodowska University in Lublin,
Faculty of Political Science, Department of International Relations
e-mail: olafpietrzyk@gmail.com
THE NEW DEAL IN JAPAN US RELATIONS?
POSSIBLE IMPACT OF JAPANESE CONSTITUTIONAL
REINTERPRETATION ON SECURITY COOPERATION
BETWEEN THE STATES- pełny artykuł (full article) - plik PDF
AAbstract. The main purpose of this paper is to describe and explain security cooperation between
Japan and United States from the Cold War to the present and underline the evolution of this relationship.
Next issue addressed is current status of the alliance. Finally, the paper will evaluate how
the recent reinterpretation of the Japanese constitution can affect the current status quo. This article
is based mostly on historical approach and legal analysis.
Keywords: Japan, United States, security, Article 9 revision, collective self-defence, Self Defence
Forces
Csaba Barnabas Horváth
Associate Research Fellow, Pázmány Péter Catholic University
Modern East Asia research Group
e-mail: keluolang@hotmail.com
JAPAN AND TAIWAN
A STRATEGIC CONVERGENCE?-pełny artykuł (full article) - plik PDF
Abstract. My paper attempts to analyze how the geopolitical strategic interests of Japan and Taiwan
impact each other. I argue that the growing concerns of the Taiwanese population over the
increasing influence of China and the ongoing normalization i.e., remilitarization and increasing
global and regional activism of Japan, are trends that point towards a convergence of interests
between the two countries. If Taiwan (especially after the recent DPP takeover) tries to assure its
sovereignty by standing up to China, then it will badly need as many regional allies as possible. On
the other hand, the continuing de facto sovereignty of Taiwan is a de facto vital geopolitical interest
of Japan, not only in the scope of its disputes with China on the East China Sea, but also in the
scope of sea lanes vital to its economy. Viewed in terms of geopolitics, Taiwan provides a buffer
for Japan between its southwestern islands, and China as well as an obstacle for China in its reach
towards the Senkaku/Diaoyu islands. Taiwan also serves as a barrier between China and the open
Pacific Ocean as part of the so called first island chain. Given this significance, the possibility
of China taking over Taiwan would mean a strategic catastrophe for Japan regarding its strategic
maritime rivalry with China on the East China Sea. China controlling Taiwan would also put the
PLA Navy in direct access to the sea lanes connecting Japan with the straits of Malacca, vital for
Japanese imports of fuel from the Middle East. At the same time, the increasing maritime and air
capabilities of the Japanese armed forces are theoretically making Japan increasingly able to assist
Taiwan, if Japan ever choses to do so. Also the increasing activism of Japan as a regional actor puts
it in need of regional allies, and in this regard, unlike the reluctance of South Korea, Taiwanese
public opinion is highly supportive of cooperation between the two countries. Thus Japan and Taiwan
appear to be two countries with an increasing convergence of geopolitical interests, resulting
from both their badly needed but limited access to regional allies and supportive public opinion.
Key words: geopolitics, normalization of Japan, cross strait relations, the constitution of Japan
Krzysztof Kozłowski
Warsaw School of Economics, Collegium of Socio-Economics
email: krzysiekkozlowski13@gmail.com
THE NEW SILK ROAD: THE PROMISE AND THE
CHALLENGE OF CHINESE EURASIAN INTEGRATION
IN THE POST-SOVIET CENTRAL ASIA-pełny artykuł (full article) - plik PDF
Abstract. The article discusses the New Silk Road Initiative in context of the Chinese Central
Asian policies. An overview of the trajectory of development of the PRC political and economic
presence will allow for an identification of the opportunities as well as the challenges to the future
ambitions of the Middle Kingdom. The prospects of the New Silk Road are promising. The old
problems the lack of integration of Central Asian States and the economically challenging environment
of the post-Soviet space are still posing threats to every international political project
in the region, though.
Keywords: Peoples Republic of China, the New Silk Road, Post-Soviet Central Asia, Xinjiang
Łukasz Gacek
Jagiellonian University in Kraków
Institute of Middle East and Far East
e-mail: lukasz.gacek@uj.edu.pl
ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY IN CHINA:
CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES-pełny artykuł (full article) - plik PDF
Abstract. Chinas long-term development plan puts strong emphasis on environmental issues.
Chinese government emphasized that the measure of economic growth must take into account the
social and environmental costs. Socio-economic development has been coupled with environment
protection. The national low-carbon strategy aims at achieving a better balance between the environment
protection and economic growth.
Key words: China, environmental protection, Environmental policy, Sustainable development
Chunjuan Nancy Wei
University of Bridgeport, Connecticut
Department of International Political Economy & Diplomacy
East Asia & Pacific Rim Studies
e-mail: chunjuaw@bridgeport.edu
TAIWANS SECESSION AGAINST TWO HOSTS:
THE XI-MA SUMMIT AND ITS IMPLICATIONS FOR
FUTURE CROSS-STRAIT RELATIONS-pełny artykuł (full article) - plik PDF
Abstract. Taiwan commands the worlds attention because of the geopolitics that enables the
island to play a role bigger than its size. Democracy and secessionist movements that came hand
in hand since the 1980s in Taiwan have further complicated matters, leading to a level of chaos
and decline of competitiveness in Taiwans once-vibrant economy. Cross-Strait relations have
greatly improved but the situation remains an unstable peace, to use the terminology of the
Lund Curve, because of the existence of an independence-leaning coalition and its constituents.
Although considerable trade and tourism have linked the two sides and direct negotiations have
produced 23 agreements, political and security ties remain sensitive. Chinas chief goal remains
national reunification, while the majority of Taiwanese voters tend to favor the status quo. This
paper discusses a unique two-host phenomenon in Taiwans secessionist movement, nonexistent in
other similar movements. It traces President Ma Ying-jeous approach to cross-Strait relations, explaining
reasons that led to Mas unprecedented summit with his counterpart Xi Jinping. Without
understanding the concept of the two hosts, it would be impossible to make sense of the extraordinary
reconciliation, epitomized in the Xi-Ma handshake.
Keywords: Taiwans Secessionist Movement against Two Hosts; Xi-Ma Summit; Unstable Peace;
Cross-Strait Security; Lunds Curve; Taiwans 2016 Election
Ewa Trojnar
Uniwersytet Marii Curie-Skłodowskiej w Lublinie
WJagiellonian University in Krakow
Institute of Middle and Far East
e-mail: ewa.trojnar@uj.edu.pl
TAIWANS ECONOMIC SECURITY IN THE CONTEXT
OF CROSS-STRAIT INTERDEPENDENCE-pełny artykuł (full article) - plik PDF
Abstract. Signing of the ECFA between Taiwan and China in 2010 was not widely welcomed in
Taiwan. Among the many concerns about warming cross-Taiwan Strait relations, was the issue of
Taiwans economic dependence on China. Without neglecting this fact, this paper aims to assess
Taiwans current economic security based on evidence of the growing interdependence between
the partners. The theoretical basis of the research consists in the recognition of neoliberal approach
in international relations
Keywords: economic security, interdependence, Taiwan, China, cross-Strait relations
Anna Rudakowska
Tamkang University, Department of Global Political Economy, Taiwan
Associate Researcher, Vrije Universiteit Brussel Department of Political Science, Belgium
e-mail: anna_taiwan@hotmail.com
NON-TRADITIONAL THREATS TO SECURITY IN THE
DISCOURSE OF TAIWAN PRESIDENTS CHEN SHUIBIAN
AND MA YING-JEOU:
A DOUBLE-EDGED SWORD-pełny artykuł (full article) - plik PDF
Abstract. Taiwans external relations have been mainly examined from the traditional perspective,
which sees territorial conquest as the most important problem in the study of international security.
This article asks how and why non-traditional security is relevant to Taiwans foreign policy. In
order to answer this question, it examines the articulation of Non-traditional Threats to Security
(NTS) and their framing in the discourses of the Taiwan Presidents Chen Shui-bian and Ma Yingjeou.
It finds that threats of an economic nature and threats related to pandemics are the most
prominent NTS in the islands political rhetoric. This article highlights the opposite processes
taking place on the national political stage when the political elites refer to NTS. One the one
hand, the discourse about economic threats to security limits Taiwans participation in global trade.
By linking trade to the question of sovereignty, the political labelling of this issue, originally
considered to be of an economic nature, translates into protectionist trade policies with respect
to China. On the other hand, the new understanding of pandemics as a threat to security opens
the door of opportunity for Taiwans participation in international affairs, as it enables Taiwanese
politicians to speak about the islands observer status in the World Trade Organization (WHO) not
as a political issue related to the question of sovereignty but as an issue of human security.
Keywords: non-traditional threats to security (NTS), Taiwan external relations, Chen Shui-bian,
Ma Ying-jeou, cross-Strait relations
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