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China

How the Chinese Public Perceives South-East Asia: Affinity, Annoyance and Apprehension

·577 字·2 分钟
Polihot 政治行为 国际关系 中国研究 China Public Opinion Southeast Asia Survey Geopolitics
CQ 266 pp. 491-505 2026-05-29 Original How the Chinese Public Perceives South-East Asia: Affinity, Annoyance and Apprehension Enze Han Abstract Abstract This article explores how the Chinese public perceives South-East Asia. Using original survey data collected in China, it suggests three perceptual frames. The “affinity” frame, which is rooted in historical Chinese migration and diaspora ties, generates feelings of kinship and cultural connection. Conversely, the “annoyance” frame stems from contemporary geopolitical tensions, particularly South China Sea disputes, where several South-East Asian countries are viewed as provocateurs challenging China’s regional authority. The “apprehension” frame characterizes the region as exotic yet dangerous, a perception reinforced by recent cyber scams and criminal activities targeting Chinese citizens, creating stereotypes of South-East Asia as lawless and unsafe. The article analyses the survey data for the statistical distribution of these frames and discusses their political implications. By exploring how historical ties, geopolitical tensions and security concerns simultaneously shape Chinese public opinion, the article illuminates the complex perceptual landscape that may influence China’s diplomatic and economic relations with South-East Asia.

The Resilience of Self-reliance in China: Autonomy, Interdependence and Order-shaping

·571 字·2 分钟
Polihot 国际关系 政治经济学 中国研究 Self-Reliance China Foreign Economic Policy Ideational Resilience Order-Shaping
CQ 266 pp. 291-308 2026-05-20 Original The Resilience of Self-reliance in China: Autonomy, Interdependence and Order-shaping Amy King, Wenting He Abstract Abstract The idea of “self-reliance” has endured in Chinese political discourse for nearly a century, transcending profound changes in China’s political, economic and strategic circumstances. Although it is frequently misinterpreted as economic isolation or autarky, the idea of self-reliance in China has always acknowledged the country’s engagement with the global economy. Drawing on the discursive institutionalist concept of ideational resilience, we show that self-reliance comprises three interlocking elements: autonomy, interdependence and order-shaping. While these sit in tension with one another, they have also accommodated one another since the earliest articulations of the idea. This tripartite structure has enabled Chinese leaders since the Republican era to reinterpret and usefully deploy the idea of self-reliance. Our findings underscore the resilience of Chinese foreign economic policy ideas, as well as the ideational logic behind Xi Jinping’s seemingly contradictory pursuit of technological self-reliance, open global markets and greater connectivity with the developing world.

Fairness Perception, Administrative Burden, and Social Welfare Participation

·538 字·2 分钟
Polihot 公共行政 公共政策 中国研究 Administrative Burden Fairness Perception Welfare Participation Compliance Burden China
PA — 2026-05-12 Original Fairness Perception, Administrative Burden, and Social Welfare Participation Yongdong Shen, Wenchi Wei, Chao An, Zhouyi Chen Abstract ABSTRACT This study examines whether and how fairness perception and administration burden relate to citizen participation in social welfare programs. We theoretically argue that both participation costs and citizens' perceptions of distributive fairness play critical roles in determining individuals' willingness to engage with welfare programs. We further propose that compliance burden (costs) may constrain frontline officials' discretion in benefit allocation, thereby reinforcing perceptions of fairness and encouraging program participation. Using a nationally representative sample from the China Urban and Rural Low‐Income Household Survey, we find that perceived unfairness is negatively associated with welfare participation, and administrative burdens constitute substantial barriers to access. Moreover, compliance burden weakens the negative correlation between perceived unfairness and welfare participation, suggesting that rigid procedures are linked with stronger perceptions of distributive fairness and institutional trust. These findings underscore the complex interplay between procedural design and citizen perceptions in shaping welfare participation in China.

Dual Authoritative Mediation: Policing and Community Governance in Urban China

·482 字·1 分钟
Polihot 比较政治 公共行政 中国研究 China Policing Mediation Community Governance Fengqiao Experience
JCC — pp. 1-15 2026-04-24 Original Dual Authoritative Mediation: Policing and Community Governance in Urban China Gang Tian, Wen-Hsuan Tsai Abstract The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) is employing mechanisms inspired by the ‘Fengqiao experience’ to mediate grassroots conflicts. Our findings show that in urban areas, community support officers from the People’s Police have played a critical role in this task. They liaise with residents’ committees and other relevant units to conduct ‘dual authoritative mediation’. This practice reflects the roles of the police as holders of state authority and paternal figures in the community, and it promotes the deep penetration of state power into grassroots communities. The role of the police in mediating disputes between residents is highly valued by the CCP, and China’s police force has been given more responsibility with respect to politics and law and the maintenance of stability than police in other countries.