In conversations with expatriates living in Beijing, there’s a palpable sense of bewilderment concerning China’s external policies. Questions abound: Is China seeking to alter the established dynamics within the Asia-Pacific region? Are European nations being leveraged as pawns in China’s diplomatic chess game with the United States? And what sparked the aggressive stance known as “wolf warrior” diplomacy? These queries are as widespread as they are intriguing. Yet, obtaining insights from Chinese experts is challenging because they hesitate to engage with international press. As an independent observer, I have identified three key aspects of China’s international strategy, namely, diplomacy with the global south, engagement with major powers, and innovative diplomatic practices.
Diplomacy with the Global South
China’s diplomatic ethos has long involved nurturing relationships with less affluent nations and those within the Global South. An annual tradition sees the Chinese foreign minister visiting Africa at the start of each year, signalling China’s solidarity with the developing world and laying groundwork for future diplomatic endeavours.
Moreover, China’s efforts to solidify ties with the Muslim world underscore its Global South strategy. Historically, China has aligned its positions with the collective stance of Muslim countries in multilateral settings, a policy that is starkly evident in its response to conflicts involving Muslim nations.
China’s alliances with Africa and Muslim-majority countries – significant voting blocs within the United Nations – serve as a strategic counterbalance to Western critiques on issues ranging from Taiwan and the South China Sea to human rights. The absence of condemnation from Muslim nations regarding China’s policies in Xinjiang exemplifies the success of this diplomatic approach.
Engagement with Major Powers
China’s external policy is underpinned by the imperative to foster an environment conducive to economic growth, stemming from its late 20th-century economic reforms. The opening up to the West, unlike earlier focuses on Global South solidarity, has been instrumental in spurring China’s economic transformation.
In its dealings with Western powers and Japan, China prioritizes economic openness to sustain development. This includes efforts to secure agreements that facilitate economic and technological collaboration.
Conversely, China’s relationship with Russia emphasizes political solidarity and future-oriented economic and energy cooperation, a strategy partly designed to mitigate the impacts of potential conflicts involving Taiwan.
Innovative Diplomatic Practices
Concerns in the West about China altering the status quo in areas like the South China Sea and the Taiwan Strait highlight a fundamental disconnect in international relations perspectives. China views Western interference as a challenge to its sovereignty and a breach of the UN-led global order, while the West sees China’s actions as a threat to international stability.
This impasse has given rise to “wolf warrior” diplomacy, reflecting China’s assertiveness in defending its interests amid perceived Western hostility. This new diplomatic fervour is part of China’s broader strategy to secure its narrative on the global stage while continuing to provide international public goods, such as the Belt and Road Initiative, aimed at fostering a positive image and countering the “China threat” narrative.
China’s initiative to engage in peace mediation in the Middle East and its advocacy for a shared global future are testament to its commitment to contributing to global governance, within the framework of the UN Charter.
The emergence of “wolf warrior” diplomacy and China’s assertive international posture, however, have strained relations with the West, underscoring a pressing need for sustained diplomatic engagement to bridge misunderstandings and manage disputes.
It is evident how China’s foreign policy takes specific directions, highlighting its balanced approach between nurturing Global South alliances, engaging with major powers for economic stability, and adopting new diplomatic strategies to assert its place in an evolving international order. The multifaceted nature of China’s foreign policy is characterized by a blend of traditional diplomacy, strategic engagement with global powers, and innovative approaches to international relations.
Insights for Pakistan
Pakistan can draw valuable lessons from China’s multifaceted foreign policy approach, particularly in nurturing strong alliances within the Global South and balancing economic priorities with diplomatic engagements. By emulating China’s tradition of building solidarity with developing nations, Pakistan could enhance its diplomatic influence and secure broader support on global platforms. Additionally, by prioritizing economic openness and fostering robust relationships with key global players, Pakistan could unlock substantial economic growth and development opportunities. Adopting China’s strategy of engaging in “new style diplomacy” could also empower Pakistan to assert its interests more effectively on the international stage, while contributing to global governance in a manner that aligns with its national interests and values.
To sum up, China’s foreign policy reflects a dynamic mosaic of diplomatic strategies shaped by its historical background, economic imperatives, and evolving global dynamics. From its enduring partnerships in the Global South to its pragmatic engagements with major powers, China strikes a delicate balance between advancing its interests and promoting international cooperation. Many countries including Pakistan can take a leaf from the Chinese book of Diplomacy to forge international ties.
The writer is a PhD scholar in English Literature, a Lawyer, and an International Relations analyst.
