Journal of the Belarusian State University. International Relations

Conceptual foundations of the People’s Republic of Сhina’s international development assistance policy

Olesya P. Rubo — Mon, 23 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0300

The People’s Republic of China is a major actor in global international development assistance. This article analyses white papers and other official documents related to China’s international development assistance policy. Through detailed examination, the objectives, principles, and priority areas are identified, highlighting contemporary trend which is shifting from the terms “aid” and “donor – recipient relationships” to “partnership” and “international development cooperation”. It is concluded that China actively employs development assistance as a tool in its foreign policy, enabling it to achieve national goals, increase its political and economic influence in the international arena, strengthen the legitimacy of its actions, and promote the Belt and road initiative and the construction of a global community of shared future.

China’s foreign policy under Xi Jinping: from the Belt and road initiative to a community with a shared future for mankind

Ivan A. Chuvilov — Tue, 03 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0300

The author of the article examines the evolution of China’s foreign policy since Xi Jinping’s ascension to General Secretary of the Communist party of China Central Committee and subsequent leadership of the country. The analysis centres on Xi Jinping’s global cooperation initiatives, specifically the Belt and road initiative and the concept of a community with a shared future for mankind. These initiatives represent significant innovations in China’s diplomatic approach. The study concludes that both the Belt and road initiative and the community with a shared future for mankind are predicated on mutually beneficial, responsible, and equitable cooperation. Furthermore, the implementation of these initiatives within the international political framework positions China, under Xi Jinping’s leadership, as a predominant actor.

Cooperation between China and ASEAN states within the Belt and road initiative: education, culture, and tourism

Wang Leping — Tue, 03 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0300

The Belt and road initiative, launched by China in 2013, has not only fostered the expansion of economic and political ties but also served as a catalyst for intensified cultural and humanitarian cooperation between the peoples of China and the ASEAN member states. The considerable potential for enhanced interaction is largely attributed to the inherent geographical proximity of these states. This article identifies and examines the distinctive characteristics of cultural and people-to-people interactions across three principal domains: education, culture, and tourism. Particular attention is paid to analysing successful initiatives and practices that contribute to deepening mutual understanding and respect between China and ASEAN members. These include cultural festivals, joint university alliances, cultural tourism weeks, and tourism initiatives. The author concludes that ASEAN states’ participation in the Belt and road intiative has enhanced the ties between China and these nations in the realms of education, culture, and tourism, thereby reinforcing regional interconnectedness and laying a solid foundation for friendship between their peoples.

Regional аviation diplomacy of the Republic of Belarus and its strategic partners

Yu Yang — Tue, 03 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0300

A robust aviation sector is a source of pride for many nations. The possession of national air carriers (both passenger and cargo), maintenance facilities, advanced air navigation systems, and airports capable of accommodating diverse aircraft is a significant symbol of modernity and international engagement for many states. As societies evolve and international engagements expand, aviation diplomacy is becoming a crucial instrument in the foreign policy strategies of numerous states, including Belarus. The author of this article examines the regional aspects of aviation diplomacy between Belarus and its strategic partners, China and Russia, analyses government documents and cooperative outcomes within the Belarus – China aviation relationship and explores the potential for expanding air routes linking Belarus, China, and Russia.

Features and trends in the development of Sino-Russian cooperation in the field of non-traditional security

Sun Jian — Tue, 03 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0300

The concept of non-traditional security has gained widespread recognition among states in recent decades. For regional and international powers like China and Russia, the non-traditional security domain assumes even greater significance than traditional security during peacetime. These two countries have a longstanding history of cooperation in non-traditional security areas. Amidst the significant geopolitical shifts characterising the contemporary world, both China and Russia have intensified their collaborative efforts in this domain, focusing primarily on scientific and technological, financial, energy, and agricultural sectors. This article analyses the recent developments in Sino-Russian cooperation across these sectors, highlighting notable achievements and persistent challenges. An examination of the tangible outcomes reveals substantial financial investments, close and complementary bilateral partnerships driven by pragmatism, and a positive overall trajectory of development. While certain challenges remain, these are unlikely to impede the accelerating pace of cooperation. It is anticipated that Sino-Russian collaboration in non-traditional security will continue to deepen and broaden in the future.

International cooperation on migration in Africa in the 1950s: an analysis of UN High Commissioner for Refugees reports

Andrey V. Selivanov — Mon, 23 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0300

This article analyses United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees reports to the United Nations General Assembly (sessions 6–16), examining international cooperation on forced migration in Africa through UN High Commissioner for Refugees activities. The study concludes that the 1950s marked the beginning of dynamic international cooperation in migration. As decolonization began, migration patterns shifted towards forced displacement. UN High Commissioner for Refugees, initially responsible for a small number of persons of concern, gradually expanded its programmes across regions. States and international organisations supported these efforts through resettlement and local assistance programmes. The Algerian crisis highlighted the need to broaden the scope of the 1951 Convention relating to the status of refugees. The 1950s can be divided into two distinct phases: 1951–1956, when international bodies first engaged with African migration issues, and 1957–1960, marked by an active emergency response to forced migration.

When and where will state-based conflicts occur in the remaining 21st century?

Pierre Rostan, Alexandra Rostan — Tue, 03 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0300

This study seeks to identify the timing and location of state-based conflicts in the remaining 21^st century and to estimate the probability of future state-based conflicts by world regions. The methodology employs a four-step forecasting model utilising wavelet analysis to predict death estimates from state-based conflicts before 2100. These estimates generate forecasts of the probability of state-based conflicts in each world region over the next decades. The findings suggest that before 2100, the probability of state-based conflicts, measured by resulting fatalities as a proxy, is estimated at 54 % in Asia and Oceania (excluding the Middle East), 31 % in Africa, 8 % in Europe, 6 % in the Americas, and 0 % in the Middle East.