Xi Jinping’s ‘Monroe Doctrine’: Rebuilding the Middle Kingdom Order? - Commentary No. 102/2014 - 29 May 2014

Aug 28, 2026

RSIS Commentaries provide timely, policy-relevant background and analysis on contemporary developments. This commentary argues that Xi Jinping’s push to build a “true maritime power” reflects a Chinese adaptation of the Monroe doctrine and a revival of the old Middle Kingdom order. It links the strategy to leadership legitimacy, territorial disputes, and an incremental approach aimed at deterring US interference while reshaping legal narratives and asserting regional control.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

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Pages2

Reading Time5 min

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Synopsis

Commentary

Xi Jinping’s four thrusts: Chinese Monroe doctrine?

Impact: slicing the salami

Recent examples of China’s incremental approach

RSIS COMMENTARIES RSIS Commentaries are intended to provide timely and, where appropriate, policy relevant background and analysis of contemporary developments. The views of the authors are their own and do not represent the official position of the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies, NTU. These commentaries may be reproduced electronically or in print with prior permission from RSIS. Due recognition must be given to the author or authors and RSIS. Please email: [RSISPublication@ntu.edu.sg](RSISPublication@ntu.edu.sg) or call (+65) 6790 6982 to speak to the Editor RSIS Commentaries, Yang Razali Kassim. No. 102/2014 dated 29 May 2014 Xi Jinping’s ‘Monroe Doctrine’: Rebuilding the Middle Kingdom Order? By Sukjoon Yoon Synopsis Xi Jinping’s declaration that China should strive to become a “true maritime power” is redolent of a Chinese version of the Monroe doctrine or the old Middle Kingdom order. The recent issues in the East and South China seas demonstrate China’s incremental pursuit of its ambition to be the dominant maritime power in the region. Commentary CHINESE PRESIDENT Xi Jinping’s conception of true maritime power is intertwined with several complex issues: internal factors about the legitimacy of his leadership and external factors like territorial disputes in the East and South China seas which concern sovereignty. East Asian nations must consider the implications of China’s approach and its impact on the region: is it possible to influence and countervail China by standing together, even as Beijing pursues its salami-slicing strategy? Xi Jinping’s four thrusts: Chinese Monroe doctrine? From Xi’s remarks it seems that he is more committed to a long-term maritime strategy than his predecessors. He is basically attempting to restore the ancient Middle Kingdom regional order through four thrusts: First, establishing new high-profile organisations dealing with maritime policy and strategy, especially the States Security Committee; second, upgrading naval capabilities to counter the US pivot to Asia and back up its civil maritime law enforcement; third, reframing issues relating to the East and South China seas away from prevailing international law and towards what China sees as its historical rights; and fourth, demonstrating China’s ostensible goodwill through participation in international forums and multilateral exercises in the region. Xi Jinping can afford to be patient. Certainly the current maritime policies being pursued by China are intended as a warning, especially to the US, not to intervene in Chinese affairs in any part of the East and South China seas. Xi also expects US influence in the region to continue to weaken. Current Chinese policy is readily understood as a Chinese version of the Monroe doctrine, which the US declared in 1823 to deter the European great powers from interfering in seas the US construed as its natural sphere of influence. Could this be a contemporary rendition of the old Middle Kingdom regional order dominated by China? China is implicitly challenging the collective defence posture encouraged by Washington, as the self-appointed guardian of the Indo-Pacific region. It is easy to empathise with the concerns of China’s smaller and vulnerable neighbours, who have bitter memories of living as tributary states to the Middle Kingdom, when all of the surrounding seas were a medium for the projection of China’s overwhelming power and influence. Xi will not be satisfied until this system has been recreated around modern-day China. Despite being very vocal in defence of China’s core national interests, however, he has yet to issue any detailed doctrine concerning how China’s maritime forces should interact with, and, by implication, ultimately protect, its neighbours. Impact: slicing the salami Xi Jinping seems determined to establish China as a maritime power through an incremental strategy. Following lessons learned from the historical advances o

FAQs

What is the core claim about Xi Jinping’s “true maritime power” policy?

The policy is portrayed as a Chinese version of the Monroe doctrine, tied to an effort to restore a Middle Kingdom regional order through incremental maritime assertiveness.

Which four thrusts are identified as supporting Xi’s maritime strategy?

They include creating high-profile maritime policy bodies, upgrading naval capabilities, reframing disputes toward China’s historical rights, and demonstrating goodwill through participation in international forums and exercises.

How does the commentary explain why China can proceed incrementally?

It argues that time and circumstances favor China: a war-weary US is less willing to risk confrontation, while China can apply pressure as opportunities arise, including actions like ADIZ declaration, fishing regulation enforcement, and oil-rig deployment.

Aug 28, 2026

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