The problem of economic coercion in state-to-state relations: the case of China

Economic coercion in relations between states has become one of the growing problems and challenges in the international arena. At the same time, this problem remains underresearched. The purpose of this article is to explain the nature of economic coercion and the causes and consequences of its use in interstate relations with a focus on the case of China as one of the countries using economic coercion. A variety of research methods were used to achieve the objective and answer the related research questions, including a review of the findings of selected research centres and an analysis of selected cases of China’s economic coercion against other states. Main findings: China’s economic coercion is specific in terms of the reasons for its use. China defends what it regards as „core national interests”. Crossing China’s „red lines” (national sovereignty, national security, territorial disputes, international image, treatment of Chinese companies abroad) is the only reason for China’s economic coercion against other states. The instruments of economic coercion are mainly: state-issued threats, trade restrictions, tourism restrictions, administrative discrimination, arbitrary detention or execution, investment restrictions, popular boycotts, pressure on specific companies. The response of countries subject to economic coercion varies. There are states that succumb to Chinese pressure, and there are those that do not, instead taking steps to reduce their dependence on China. Despite the proposals put forward at the international level to combat and to counter economic coercion, it is currently difficult to find indications that this problem will be effectively eliminated in the near future.