Functional Analysis Of Arms Control Diplomacy

“Disarmament Diplomacy” is diplomatic activities specifically conducted in thefield of arms control, disarmament and nonproliferation, including negotiations,conclusion of treaties and agreements, participation in international conferences andinternational organizations, etc. Disarmament diplomacy is an important part ofcontemporary diplomacy, and a significant element of gaming in strategic securityamong major powers, which is highly valued by the international community.Chapter I of this paper, through analyzing the functions of disarmamentdiplomacy, found that the essential objective of disarmament diplomacy is to protectnational security interest, and promote world peace and stability. However, theobjectives of disarmament diplomacy are various, based on different historical periods,and national strategic security needs，national defense development and future plan.As the international strategic security environment is undergoing complex andprofound evolvement, disarmament diplomacy demonstrates new dimensions whilecarrying on its traditional function. This could be highlighted in three aspects: First, toensure development of national military power and seek advantages in strategicsecurity; Second, to lead the formulation of new international rules with a view tofooting on the commanding point in future strategic security environment; Third, totake advantage of the multilateral disarmament diplomatic platforms to work oninternational relations. Chapter II of this paper selected examples on such four majorissues as nuclear, missile defense, outer space and cyber security, to help understandand analyze the above three dimensions of the functions of disarmament diplomacy.China has always been the constructor, participant and protector of theinternational mechanism in arms control, disarmament and nonproliferation. China’sarms control policy and positions are evolving with times and situtations. WhileChina’s comprehensive national strength is growing, China is playing a more andmore important role and enjoying increasing influence in multilateral disbarmentarena, which leads to more opportunities accompanied by real challenges. Chapter IIIof the paper raised the three paradox that China has to address in order to realize thefunctions of Chinese disarmament diplomacy, i.e. Chinese maintenance of strategic stability versus the U.S. and western countries seeking strategic advantage; peacefulrising of China versus “Chinese Threats”; fair, appropriate and equal participation ofinternational rules making versus competition for leading power. Accordingly, thispaper puts forward the following suggestions for future Chinese disarmamentdiplomacy: First, to attach strategic importance to disarmament diplomacy, and toenhance the role of disarmament diplomacy in the overall Chinese diplomacy; Second,to ensure participation in disarmament and nonproliferation process is primarily basedon clear understanding of Chinese national interest, to better serve Chinese nationalstrategic security and development of defense power; Third, to improve publicdiplomacy in disarmament, to win better understanding and supports to Chinesepolicy, positions and efforts in arms control, disarmament and nonproliferation.