China rising and Northeast Asia: paradoxes amidst the new cold war

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the influences of China’s rise for regional order, specifically in terms of the paradoxes of security, institution and power in Northeast Asia. Contrary to ideas propounded by the theory of economic interdependence and peace, this paper argues that the rise of China generated more anxieties for Northeast Asia than it saved. Design/methodology/approach This paper adopts a historical approach to the question of China’s rise and its relationship with Northeast Asia. This is a qualitative paper based on reflections and review of secondary sources and current events. Findings This paper finds that China’s rise has produced three paradoxes of security, institution and power in Northeast Asia. The paradoxes have shaped the geopolitical and geoeconomic landscape of Northeast Asia in the post-cold war period and are likely to continue to implicate regional order in the near future. Originality/value This paper is an original reflection of the author’s personal thoughts and opinions.