A permanent member of the UN Security Council, and an « official » nuclear power, the Popular Republic of China occupies a choice place on the international scene. Its security doctrine is of an essentially « defensive » character, and consists in re-establishing the cut between the « Western » and « Asian » worlds as it was until the beginning of the 19th century ; it rests on the idea of « double non-interference » (of exterior powers in China’s interest sphere and of China in the world’s matters). At regional level, this is translated in an offensive position, with the aim of securing Chinese national interests. Nevertheless, this strategy, which is totally out of focus with the reality of the means the country disposes of, might be questioned soon. China might consider strictly defending the national territory’s security interests. – Summary AFRI-2002