China’s Global Security Initiative at Two: A Journey, Not a Destination | 2024 | Publications

China’s Global Security Initiative at Two: A Journey, Not a Destination

M. Taylor Fravel

China Leadership Model No. 80 (Summer 2024)

Introduced in April 2022, China’s “Global Security Initiative” is now two years old. This essay takes stock of the GSI’s development since its introduction, examining and assessing how the GSI’s content has been fleshed out, how it has been received by other states, and how its implementation has progressed. To date, the GSI’s content remains vague and broad, most likely to increase support, pursue opportunistic implementation, and discredit the United States as a security actor. Formal support from other states, as reflected in including the GSI in joint documents, is limited. The GSI’s implementation has been uneven, especially in Asia, with few regional organizations offering unqualified support and or pursuing cooperation under the banner of the initiative. Looking ahead, the prospects for the GSI and its implementation are mixed.