The Chinese concept of security

In this chapter, the focus will be on the theory of security. In particular, the aim here is to explore the Chinese concept of security in greater detail. This will be useful in illuminating the approach to be adopted in subsequent chapters. First, the debate on broadening the scope of the security concept in international relations, which coincides with the growing importance of economic issues in the post-Cold War era, will be explored. Second, the Chinese approach to security will be scrutinised, in comparison with non-Chinese ones. It will be stressed that the Chinese concept of comprehensive security is very much in line with the increasing widespread adoption of a broader definition of security in International Relations. We first turn to the concept of security.