Understanding China

With China entering a new era of development, the transformative changes and tremendous progress taking place in the country have been attracting ever increasing attention from the rest of the world. But though reports on China abroad have been exponential, the messages are confusing. While China’s development is regarded as an opportunity by some, others view it as a challenge or even a threat.

Since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) in 2012, China’s diplomatic activities have been fruitful, covering high-level visits, economic cooperation, cultural exchanges, public diplomacy and non-governmental activities. A comprehensive framework coordinating bilateral, multilateral, regional and global affairs has been established. Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy is the crystallization of these new thoughts and approaches.

At its center are 10 key concepts, which are the essence of China’s diplomacy in the new era, extracted and distilled from its long-held principles and decades of practice. Together they constitute the foundation of the idea and practice of major-country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics.

Diplomacy in the new era

The goals of major-country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics are first, to be responsible for national rejuvenation, and second, to contribute to human progress.

History shows that the pursuit of hegemony, alliance and confrontation and the abuse of power in international relations will only induce chaos or even war. Unilateralism and power politics lead to nowhere. The return of the law of the jungle means regression of civilization. A zero-sum mentality and beggar-thy-neighbor policy are recipes for failure. It is imperative to rise above the outdated categorization of countries into hierarchical groupings or blocs. The world is becoming increasingly multipolar and globalized and instead of carving out spheres of influence, an open and inclusive world should be