The Challenge of Terrorism and War on Terror: Chinese Response

Introduction

A peaceful and harmonious environment is an insinuation and an outcome of mutual cooperation and development. On the other hand, war directly affects the harmonious environment, and the ensuing economic and social development, while putting all parties, involved in war, into paying the extraordinary price of it, in terms of human, social and economic costs.

Over the last two decades, Asia has witnessed two concurrent experiences: one, fast-growing economic development and mutual cooperation for the same purpose – the most significant example of which is China – and two, division and destruction, being the battle ground of WoT, which has limited the opportunities for cooperation and development in many of its parts.

As the war is being led by the US – which is the most important and key player in global economic and political arenas – the impact of it cannot remain confined to areas where it is being battled. It is therefore natural for China, being an emerging power, not to remain cut off from the conflict, more importantly when a major part of the conflict is directly linked to its neighborhood. In this background, this paper discusses terrorism and the WoT in the context of challenges it has posed and opportunities it has offered to the two major powers i.e. America and China, in the global political and economic setting, alongside analyzing the subsequent responses of the two.  

While discussing some of the fundamental questions about terrorism and WoT, the paper briefly reviews the costs of the war and their impact on the standing of America in the world; the effects on the global system and institutions; and the successes so far. This is followed by a discussion on Chinese perspective and response, and the way it has impacted its position in the world.  Finally, while underscoring the importance and elements of an effective global system the paper highlights the potential role that China is expected to play in the process.