Abstract
This paper aims to contextualise China’s own understanding of global justice in global governance. The paper does not only uncover China’s traditional understanding of justice and global justice as purveyors of order and stability, it also analyses the very pragmatic and instrumental Chinese views on the global institutional order that should be conducive to that ideal. This pragmatic and instrumental stance is obvious in China’s support for a restrictive understanding of the sovereignty concept; ambiguous support for a reform of the global governance architecture; and preference for non-binding settlements to resolve international disputes. The paper demonstrates that China’s approach to and appreciation of the South China Sea Arbitration is exemplary thereof. The paper also argues that there is a real momentum for the EU to further engage with China in support of the strengthening global justice.
