13.1 The principles and evolution of China's foreign policy

China's foreign policy has evolved significantly since the 1950s. From the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence to Xi Jinping's Major Country Diplomacy, China has sought to balance its growing global influence with a commitment to non-interference and peaceful development.

The Reform Era 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

Top images from around the web for Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence

• 

  Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Richard Nixon - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Jawaharlal Nehru - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Richard Nixon - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

Top images from around the web for Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence

• 

  Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Richard Nixon - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Jawaharlal Nehru - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Richard Nixon - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

• Established in 1954 by Zhou Enlai and Jawaharlal Nehru
• Mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity
• Mutual non-aggression
• Non-interference in each other's internal affairs
• Equality and mutual benefit
• Peaceful coexistence
• 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

• Non-interference policy emphasizes respecting other nations' sovereignty
• Refrains from meddling in domestic affairs of other countries
• Contrasts with Western interventionist approaches
• Peaceful rise 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 Deng Xiaoping in 1978
• Marked shift from Maoist isolationism to global engagement
• Focused on economic modernization and attracting foreign investment
• Established Special Economic Zones (SEZs) to experiment with market reforms (Shenzhen)
• Encouraged joint ventures with foreign companies
• Led to China's accession to the World Trade Organization 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

• China Dream 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
• Community of Shared Future for Mankind 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 (Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank)
• Advocates for reform of existing global governance structures
• Balances cooperation with major powers and support for developing nations
• Utilizes economic diplomacy through initiatives (Belt and Road Initiative)

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