The Puzzle of Chinese Sanctions

Chapter 1 introduces the puzzle of this book: given the widespread perception of China as an assertive rising power as well as the conventional belief that economic sanctions are a middle ground between diplomatic and military/paramilitary action, why were Chinese decision-makers up until the end of Xi Jinping’s first term as president in March 2018 restrained and reluctant in their use of sanctions? It provides a brief account of the main argument—that China’s longstanding sanctions rhetoric has had a constraining effect on its behaviour—and explains the theoretical and policy significance of this book. It concludes by providing an overview of the chapters and research design.