Masters Degrees (Political Science)

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Browsing Masters Degrees (Political Science) by browse.metadata.advisor "Davies, Martyn J."

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    Compliance with Chinese characteristics : evaluating China's compliance record with regard to WTO-related liberalization commitments in the life insurance sector
    (Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch, 2006-03) Shields, Justin M.; Davies, Martyn J.; University of Stellenbosch. Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Dept. of Political Science.
    The accession of the China to the World Trade Organization represents one of the most significant political-economic events since the close of the Cold War. China’s distinctive political and socio-economic history has made its process of accession unlike that of any other member-nation of the WTO. This study aims to answer the questions of how and to what extent has China complied with its WTO commitments that apply to the life insurance sector. In order to answer these questions, this study employs the qualitative method of evaluation of describing China’s post-accession behavior then comparing that behavior to the liberalization commitments contained in China’s accession protocol and its service schedule. Upon examination of the evidence, it appears that China has been partially compliant with the WTO-related commitments in the life insurance sector. China’s compliance with market access commitments in area of ownership structure exhibits a compromise between the interests of other WTO members. China’s liberalization of geographic restrictions shows that China’s interest in even development of its insurance market also figures into its decision to comply. China’s compliance with commitments regarding licensing, however, appears to show a maneuvering around obligations in order to protect the domestic life insurance industry. While rational functionalist approaches are more helpful in explaining China’s compliance behavior in regards to market access commitments, constructivist normative approaches are more in explaining China’s compliance behavior in regards to its general commitments. Compliance behavior with regard to transparency-related commitments in the life insurance sector reflects socialization or an adjustment to the WTO-norm of transparency. Compliance behavior in with regard to judicial review-related commitments in the life insurance sector reflects an adjustment to the WTO-norm in policy, but this norm is rarely observed in practice. In sum, China’s compliance behavior in regards to commitments in the life insurance sector has generally been compliant with few exceptions. However, all judgments on compliance are generally subject because they reflect the interests of the parties involved. The true test of China’s compliance will begin after full accession in 2007, when WTO members are allowed to files cases against China in the WTO dispute resolution panel.
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    Zen and the art of banking : a critical review of the Chinese banking sector
    (Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch, 2006-03) Burden, Kevin; Davies, Martyn J.; University of Stellenbosch. Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Dept. of Political Science.
    This study examines, broadly put, why the banking sector in China has not performed as well as other sectors of the economy when compared to international competitors, given that the economy as a whole has been performing so exceptionally at the time of writing and has been for the past two decades. The investigation examines reforms over the past twenty-six years to provide background to the issue as well as taking a view on the Chinese accession to the World Trade Organisation in 2001, providing analysis as to the effects of this accession as well as viewing the undertakings China has made, in general and specific to the banking sector, in terms of World Trade Organisation membership. The methodology employed is descriptive and explanatory in nature and information is sourced from existing academic writing as well as from banking industry publications and research. The source of information for the study is mainly of a qualitative nature, including historical and historical comparative information. Furthermore, the research forms applied research in that it seeks to bring together previous basic and exploratory research in order to identify specific problems and present potential solutions. Findings in the research include the burdensome effects of state-owned enterprises on the banking sector’s largest constituents, problematic aspects of endemic non-performing loans and a culture of lapsing debt in China as well as problems regarding political interference in the banking sector by the state and local authorities. Further problems identified include reporting and supervisory concerns, taxation treatment problems and a lack of risk-based commercial lending criteria in big Chinese banks. Analysis is provided into the effect of current and past restrictions in the sector, the development and reform model China is using to globalise its banks and the 2005 investment surge into China’s bank. Recommendations are made regarding the foreign ownership of the Chinese banking sector, state recognition of bad-debts as state loans, debt-management through asset management companies and reform of the state-owned enterprises and the problems inherent to this initiative. Finally, recommendations as to the role of the regulator and the challenge of political will are highlighted.