This thesis proposes the ancient Chinese philosophy of Confucianism as an analytical lens to study Chinese foreign policy. The need for a framework consisting of Confucian teachings emerges from...Show moreThis thesis proposes the ancient Chinese philosophy of Confucianism as an analytical lens to study Chinese foreign policy. The need for a framework consisting of Confucian teachings emerges from the limited perspectives mainstream Western IR can offer to the theories evolving around the rise of China. There is value in looking at Chinese foreign relations through Confucianism because it shows cultural and social behavioural aspects, which govern Chinese society, and thus, contributes a different approach to the study of IR. The presented case study of China’s foreign policy toward the Middle East takes into account context specific, relational elements in order to obtain valuable insights. By applying a framework consisting of Confucian teachings on governance, order, and relationship, this thesis demonstrates an interpretation of Chinese foreign policy that has been disregarded by mainstream Western IR scholarship until now.Show less
This research provides a comparison and analysis of the economic growth in China and Vietnam with a focus on the environmental aspect so that Vietnam can learn from China's experiences. The...Show moreThis research provides a comparison and analysis of the economic growth in China and Vietnam with a focus on the environmental aspect so that Vietnam can learn from China's experiences. The research found four key aspects important for environmental-friendly economic growth. The first aspect is environmental policies, which need the right implementation and enforcement to work properly. The second aspect is the energy mix, that needs to be diverse with enough forms of renewable energy. With the share of renewable energy growing in the mix, both the energy demand and the environment will benefit. The third aspect FDI raises the human capital level, which has a positive effect on innovation of production processes and a sustainable economy. Lastly, there is ASEAN which promotes regional cooperation in the field of environmental sustainability, to tackle regional cross-border problems. The right implementation of these four aspects is the key to environmentally friendly growth in Vietnam.Show less
China's sphere of influence is growing and the African continent is a key player in this global shift. This thesis focusses on a relatively poor region of the continent and China's growing...Show moreChina's sphere of influence is growing and the African continent is a key player in this global shift. This thesis focusses on a relatively poor region of the continent and China's growing geopolitical influence in that region. It takes the Addis Ababa-Djibouti Railway as a case study because it is a tangible and successful manifestation of China’s Africa policy. The research concludes that China's two major gains through such projects are diplomatic support from these countries and that China is able to gain regional control through individual countries.Show less
This essay examines whether or not Chinese firms differ in CSR approach, focusing on sustainable development, when compared to Western MNCs in the PRC. To do so, corporate identity, output and CSR...Show moreThis essay examines whether or not Chinese firms differ in CSR approach, focusing on sustainable development, when compared to Western MNCs in the PRC. To do so, corporate identity, output and CSR reporting were compared for three case study firms: BMW Group (Western MNC), Brilliance China Automotive Holdings (Chinese firm), and BMW-Brilliance (a joint venture between the other two firms). The joint venture was included, because of certain ownership restrictions in the PRC in the automotive industry and the Western firm as a sole entity could not be examined in the PRC. The results showed that the Western MNC outperformed the other cases on all three categories, the joint venture came in at a close second, and the Chinese firm lacked far behind on all three categories. Comparing the results between the Western MNC and the joint venture seemed to indicate that the joint venture is merely used as a vessel for the Western MNC to sell/produce vehicles in the PRC due to the ownership restrictions. The context of the PRC did not seem to matter significantly, as BBA and BMW showed strikingly similar results. Results did show that certain theories surrounding CSR practicing in the PRC can be applied to Western MNCs in the PRC as well.Show less
China desires to gain knowledge that is required to sophisticate its economy. This primarily involves investments in strategic sectors in Europe, which is increasingly received with anxiety and...Show moreChina desires to gain knowledge that is required to sophisticate its economy. This primarily involves investments in strategic sectors in Europe, which is increasingly received with anxiety and scepticism by European leaders. Therefore, an alternative for China to attain significant technological insights is open innovation. This research argues that this is a useful way of obtaining mutually profitable research and development. However, such a partnership requires confidence that is currently lacking. Therefore, this research answers the question: To what extent does the EU’s perception of China impede the Sino-EU cooperation on innovation? This dissertation examines this issue by analysing how the EU view on China influences trust towards this partner, and what this entails for open innovation. It is found that present preconceived negative notions on China lead to distrust. On certain issues, control mechanisms compensate for this lack of trust. However, more trust or control remains to be needed in order for future open innovation in this bilateral relationship to blossom.Show less
Agriculture in Russia became a sector of great focus for the government as a consequence of the Crimean Crisis of 2014. Tit for tat sanctions resulted in a partial ban on agricultural imports into...Show moreAgriculture in Russia became a sector of great focus for the government as a consequence of the Crimean Crisis of 2014. Tit for tat sanctions resulted in a partial ban on agricultural imports into Russia from the EU and the US, which forced the government to look for internally sourced replacements for food that had earlier been imported. The resultant policies of import substitution appear to have been successful. China is an obvious additional potential market for Russian agribusiness, which has benefited from the barriers set up during the “Sanctions Wars” that began in 2014. The same factors that cleared the domestic market for Russian producers (namely, political and trade disputes with the United States and European Union) are likely to help them ramp up exports to China. The timing has been fortuitous for Russia. They had years to “prepare” their internal response before China began to get hit with some of the same policies Russia has faced for over half a decade. As China often uses access to its market as a source of political leverage, it is important to investigate the potential risks involved in organizing production of meat for export in the Far East to the East Asian region and China in particular.Show less
The Chinese art and antiques market is to a large extent influenced by nationalism. In contrast to other governments, the Chinese government is not very successful in the repatriation of Chinese...Show moreThe Chinese art and antiques market is to a large extent influenced by nationalism. In contrast to other governments, the Chinese government is not very successful in the repatriation of Chinese cultural heritage. Therefore, it supports individuals to do so by rewarding those who step in. Nationalism nowadays is a very important value in Chinese society encouraged by the government. Part of that is also to encourage people to show their nationalism by means of buying art. Donors are also encouraged by the rewards they get for their donations. When an object that has been stolen from China comes up for sale it always attracts a lot of attention in China. This is especially the case when it originates from the Yuanmingyuan, a place connected to the humiliation of China. Many think the sale of stolen objects should be forbidden and if the government does not succeed in stopping the sale, people will try to buy it in order to repatriate it to China. Which can result in a bidding war in which the price reaches unrealistic heights. Individuals outside of mainland have used antiques to construct their Chinese identity and to strengthen their ties with China by among others donating stolen art. This is a way for them to show they support Chinese nationalism. Something that has had an influence on the buying behaviour of the overseas on the Chinese art and antique market. Since the beginning of the 2000s buyers from mainland China with the same purpose have entered the market. This has had an enormous influence on the Chinese art and antiques market. Thus, the Chinese art and antique market is to a large extent influenced by nationalism.Show less