From Deng Xiaoping to President Xi Jinping
The Evolution of China’s Modern Strategy in International Relations
The Foundation: Reform and Opening Policy
Deng Xiaoping’s historic “Reform and Opening” policy introduced in 1978 fundamentally altered China’s approach to national and international relations. His strategic doctrine of “Taoguang Yanghui(韜光養晦)” (hide your strength and bide your time) allowed China to focus on internal development while avoiding international conflicts. This period laid the groundwork for China’s future emergence as a global power in international relations and diplomacy.
Under Deng’s leadership, China began its transition from a state-controlled economy to one that welcomed private capital and foreign investment. This transformation in politics and international relations set China on a path toward unprecedented economic growth and global influence.
Continuing the Legacy: Jiang Zemin and Hu Jintao
Deng’s successors maintained his pragmatic approach to international public affairs. Under Hu Jintao’s leadership, China embraced the concept of “Peaceful Rise (和平崛起)”, pledging economic growth without seeking dominance in international relations and affairs. This period saw China’s GDP growth reach remarkable levels, culminating in its rise to become the world’s second-largest economy by 2010.
President Xi Jinping and the “China Dream”
When Chinese President Xi Jinping assumed leadership in 2012, he dramatically reshaped China’s approach to politics and international relations. President Xi Jinping introduced the concept of the “China Dream” (Zhongguo Meng, 中国梦) in 2013, emphasizing national rejuvenation and China’s return to global prominence.
Under President Jinping’s leadership, China has pursued a more assertive role in international relations and diplomacy. President Xi Jin Ping’s vision extends beyond economic growth to include China’s cultural and political influence across the globe, marking a significant shift from Deng’s “hide and bide” strategy.
One Belt One Road: President Xi’s Global Vision
The crowning achievement of President Jinping’s foreign policy is the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), also known as “One Belt One Road.” This massive infrastructure project spans across Asia, Africa, and Europe, with over 140 countries in Belt and Road cooperation agreements.
The One Belt One Road countries benefit from China’s investment in critical infrastructure, including ports, railways, and highways. The list of Belt Road Initiative countries continues to grow, with nations across Southeast Asia, Central Asia, the Middle East, and Africa joining as One Belt One Road Initiative countries.
This initiative has transformed international political relations by creating a network of countries in Belt and Road cooperation that increasingly look to China for economic leadership. The geographic scope of One Belt One Road countries represents roughly 60% of the world’s population and a third of global GDP.
Infrastructure Investment Banking: Financing the Vision
To support these ambitious projects, China established the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB). This infrastructure investment banking institution provides crucial funding for development projects across One Belt and Road countries. With over 100 member nations, the AIIB challenges traditional Western-dominated financial institutions like the World Bank and IMF.
The AIIB’s focus on infrastructure investment banking has filled a critical gap in global development financing, particularly in regions underserved by traditional international financial institutions. This approach to infrastructure investment banking has helped China build goodwill and strategic partnerships across the developing world.
China and the United States: Comparing Global Powers
As China’s influence in international relations and affairs grows, comparisons with the United States become inevitable. Both nations possess vast territories, large populations, and strong manufacturing capabilities. However, significant differences remain in their approaches to politics and international relations:
- Political structures and values
- Approaches to national and international relations
- Economic systems and market transparency
- Military projection capabilities
These differences create both challenges and opportunities in international relations and diplomacy between these two global powers.
Future Prospects in International Relations and Global Order
From Deng’s cautious approach to President Xi Jinping’s bold global vision, China’s strategy has evolved dramatically. The Belt and Road Initiative represents Chinese President Xi Jinping’s determination to secure China’s place at the center of global affairs.
Whether China can reshape the global order depends on how effectively President Xi Jin Ping navigates complex international political relations, addresses domestic challenges, and maintains China’s economic momentum. Understanding this evolution is crucial for anyone studying international relations and affairs in the 21st century.