13.1 The principles and evolution of China's foreign policy
3 min read•august 9, 2024
China's foreign policy has evolved significantly since the 1950s. From the to Xi Jinping's , China has sought to balance its growing global influence with a commitment to and .
The marked a shift towards global engagement and economic modernization. Under Xi Jinping, China's foreign policy emphasizes its role as a major power, promoting initiatives like the Belt and Road while advocating for a more equitable international order.
Foundational Principles
Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence
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- Established in 1954 by Zhou Enlai and Jawaharlal Nehru
- for sovereignty and territorial integrity
- Non-interference in each other's internal affairs
- Formed basis for China's foreign policy approach since the 1950s
- Influenced China's relations with neighboring countries (India, Myanmar)
- Continues to shape China's diplomatic rhetoric in international forums (United Nations)
Non-interference and Peaceful Development
- emphasizes respecting other nations' sovereignty
- Refrains from meddling in domestic affairs of other countries
- Contrasts with Western interventionist approaches
- concept introduced in 2003 by Zheng Bijian
- Later renamed "peaceful development" to allay fears of China's growing power
- Stresses China's commitment to harmonious international relations
- Aims to dispel notions of China as a threat to global stability
- Promotes economic cooperation and mutual benefits in foreign relations
Reform Era Policies
Reform and Opening-up
- Initiated by in 1978
- Marked shift from Maoist isolationism to global engagement
- Focused on economic modernization and attracting foreign investment
- Established (SEZs) to experiment with market reforms (Shenzhen)
- Encouraged joint ventures with foreign companies
- Led to China's accession to the in 2001
- Resulted in rapid economic growth and increased global influence
- Transformed China's role in global supply chains and international trade
China Dream and Global Vision
- concept introduced by Xi Jinping in 2012
- Encompasses national rejuvenation and prosperity
- Includes both domestic development and international influence
- Aims to restore China's perceived rightful place on the world stage
- introduced by Xi Jinping in 2013
- Promotes global governance reform and inclusive development
- Emphasizes win-win cooperation in international relations
- Supports multilateralism and opposes unilateralism in global affairs
- Advocates for a more equitable international order
Xi Jinping's Foreign Policy
Major Country Diplomacy
- Introduced by Xi Jinping as a cornerstone of foreign policy
- Asserts China's role as a major global power
- Emphasizes proactive engagement in global governance
- Focuses on building a network of partnerships rather than alliances
- Promotes Chinese leadership in international institutions ()
- Advocates for reform of existing global governance structures
- Balances cooperation with major powers and support for developing nations
- Utilizes through initiatives ()
Peaceful Development and Global Community
- Continues emphasis on peaceful development from previous administrations
- Stresses China's commitment to non-hegemonic rise
- Seeks to allay fears of China's growing military and economic power
- Community of Shared Future for Mankind concept expanded under Xi
- Proposes a new model of international relations based on mutual respect
- Advocates for inclusive globalization and sustainable development
- Promotes Chinese solutions to global challenges (poverty reduction, climate change)
- Emphasizes cultural exchanges and people-to-people diplomacy
Key Terms to Review (19)
Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank: The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) is a multilateral development bank established in 2015 to support infrastructure projects across Asia and beyond, aiming to enhance economic development and connectivity. It connects with various global initiatives by promoting sustainable investment in infrastructure, thus influencing economic growth models and fostering relationships with developing nations.
Belt and Road Initiative: The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is a global development strategy initiated by China in 2013 that aims to enhance regional connectivity and economic integration through infrastructure investment and trade. By building a network of roads, railways, ports, and other infrastructure across Asia, Europe, and Africa, the BRI seeks to promote trade routes and foster economic growth while extending China's influence on the global stage.
China Dream: The China Dream is a national slogan that reflects the aspirations of the Chinese people for national rejuvenation, economic prosperity, and cultural revival. It emphasizes the importance of the collective well-being of the nation and seeks to create a strong, unified China on the global stage, influencing its foreign policy principles and strategies.
Community of shared future for mankind: The community of shared future for mankind is a diplomatic concept proposed by China that emphasizes mutual benefit, cooperation, and shared responsibilities among countries to foster global peace and development. This idea reflects China's aspiration to reshape the international order through inclusive and sustainable growth while addressing global challenges collaboratively.
Deng Xiaoping: Deng Xiaoping was a prominent Chinese politician who served as the paramount leader of China from the late 1970s until his retirement in the early 1990s. He is best known for his role in transforming China's economy through significant reforms, shifting the country from a centrally planned economy to a more market-oriented system, which had lasting effects on various aspects of Chinese society and governance.
Economic diplomacy: Economic diplomacy refers to the use of economic tools and policies to achieve foreign policy goals, including promoting trade, investment, and development while fostering international cooperation. It involves leveraging economic relationships and institutions to enhance a country's global standing and influence. This approach has become increasingly important as countries seek to navigate a complex global economic landscape.
Equality and mutual benefit: Equality and mutual benefit is a principle that emphasizes the importance of treating all parties with fairness and ensuring that all benefit from their interactions. This concept has been a guiding tenet of China's foreign policy, fostering cooperative relationships that promote shared growth and development among nations.
Five principles of peaceful coexistence: The five principles of peaceful coexistence are a set of diplomatic guidelines proposed by China that emphasize mutual respect for sovereignty, non-aggression, non-interference in internal affairs, equality and mutual benefit, and peaceful coexistence. These principles aim to foster harmonious international relations and promote a stable global environment by encouraging countries to prioritize cooperation over conflict.
Major country diplomacy: Major country diplomacy refers to the strategic foreign policy approach adopted by a nation that recognizes its status as a significant player on the global stage. This concept involves building comprehensive relationships with other major nations to address mutual interests and global challenges, focusing on cooperation, dialogue, and leadership in international affairs.
Mutual non-aggression: Mutual non-aggression refers to a diplomatic principle where two or more states agree not to engage in military conflict against each other, promoting peace and stability in their relations. This principle is crucial in fostering trust and cooperation, as it reduces the likelihood of armed disputes and encourages dialogue between nations. It reflects a broader strategy within foreign policy aimed at maintaining peaceful coexistence.
Mutual respect: Mutual respect refers to the recognition and valuing of each other's rights, beliefs, and practices among nations, fostering a cooperative relationship. This principle is central to China's foreign policy, reflecting the importance of sovereignty and equality in international relations. It emphasizes the need for dialogue and understanding rather than confrontation, aligning with China's vision of a harmonious world.
Non-interference: Non-interference is a principle in international relations where a country refrains from intervening in the internal affairs of another nation. This principle is central to China's foreign policy, emphasizing respect for national sovereignty and the idea that each nation should independently manage its domestic matters without external pressure or influence.
Non-interference policy: The non-interference policy is a cornerstone of China's foreign relations, emphasizing respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of other nations while refraining from meddling in their internal affairs. This policy is rooted in China's historical experiences of foreign domination and aligns with its broader diplomatic strategy of promoting stability and fostering cooperative relations globally.
Peaceful coexistence: Peaceful coexistence is a foreign policy principle that emphasizes the ability of nations with different political systems and ideologies to live in harmony and avoid conflict. This concept became particularly significant during the Cold War as China sought to promote stability and diplomatic relations with other countries, despite ideological differences. It reflects a broader commitment to mutual respect, non-interference in internal affairs, and cooperation in areas of common interest.
Peaceful development: Peaceful development refers to China's approach to economic growth and international relations that emphasizes cooperation, mutual benefit, and stability while avoiding conflict. This concept is rooted in the belief that China's rise as a global power should not threaten other nations, promoting a harmonious world order through dialogue and collaboration rather than aggression.
Peaceful rise: Peaceful rise refers to China's strategy of growing its economic and political influence in the world without resorting to military aggression or conflict. This approach emphasizes cooperation, dialogue, and multilateralism, aiming to promote stability and development both regionally and globally while addressing concerns from other countries regarding China's expanding power.
Reform Era: The Reform Era refers to a significant period in China's history beginning in the late 1970s, characterized by economic liberalization and political restructuring aimed at modernizing the nation. This era introduced market-oriented reforms, shifting from a centrally planned economy to one that incorporates elements of capitalism, while maintaining the Communist Party's political control. It fundamentally transformed China's domestic landscape and its international relations.
Special Economic Zones: Special Economic Zones (SEZs) are designated areas within a country where economic regulations differ from other regions, often to attract foreign investment and promote economic growth. These zones typically offer tax incentives, streamlined regulations, and improved infrastructure, which have played a crucial role in transforming economies and fostering international trade.
World Trade Organization: The World Trade Organization (WTO) is an intergovernmental organization that regulates international trade, aiming to ensure that trade flows as smoothly, predictably, and freely as possible. It plays a critical role in shaping the rules of global commerce and resolving disputes between member countries, significantly impacting nations' economies and their foreign relations.