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CHINA
 * Foreign relations: China prioritises the protection of its core interests (state sovereignty, national security, territorial integrity, national reunification, the political system and economic development).

China's actions can be understood best when viewed through the lens of these overarching aims and supporting objectives since its approach to the rest of the world flows directly from them. The Foreign Affairs Committee's report on China and the Rules-Based International System stated that: "China does not want a disrupted international order; it wants an international order that is more aligned with its interests and priorities." The Joint Intelligence Committee (JIC) said that Beijing *** is opportunistically trying to transform parts of the rules-based international system, through resistance to United Nations (UN) interference in states, development without human rights conditions, the elevation of economic rights above political rights, and internet regulation by states. Where rules and norms constrain China, under President Xi Jinping it has become increasingly selective in its compliance.

The UK Intelligence Community told the Committee that there is *** between China and Russia, based on shared interests that include seeking to erode the established world order, for strategic advantage. Although China and Russia will inevitably view each other as *** there is likely to be ***.

Another shared interest that might result in material co-operation is around military capabilities. China is building global military capabilities to rival the US by 2049 and, as noted in our Russia Report, China and Russia have in recent years deepened defence and security co-operation, going so far as to conduct joint military exercises ***.

The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)—a 'belt' of overland connections to neighbouring countries (rail and road) and a maritime 'road' of shipping lanes to facilitate trade—is a clear example of President Xi Jinping's strategy to ensure that China is seen as a powerful force on the global stage, capable of shaping international norms and institutions for its own benefit.

Under the BRI, China is granting low-interest loans to countries in order to build infrastructure such as ports, roads and railways. By opening up numerous trade routes—more than 60 countries have signed up to the initiative—China seeks to develop new investment opportunities, cultivate export markets, and boost Chinese incomes and domestic consumption.