China’s Perspective on the International Maritime Order

Abstract The People’s Republic of China and its aspirations to shape the global maritime order have drawn significant attention. This study conducts a discourse analysis of 230 articles by Chinese academics, exploring Chinese scholarly perspectives on ocean governance. The findings reveal that Chinese scholars have adopted a multidisciplinary and relatively comprehensive approach to analysing existing ocean governance mechanisms, extending beyond a narrow focus on seapower. They have predominantly framed existing maritime order as inadequate and unfavourable to China’s maritime interests. This narrative serves to bolster China’s role in pursuing a leadership position in ocean governance, proposing initiatives that align with the Party’s broader ideological struggle against Western liberalism. The rhetoric surrounding the “maritime community with a shared future” is understood as part of this effort to advance such objectives. This research contributes to understanding China’s stance on global governance and implications for maritime security.