China's New Diplomacy from
Foreign Affairs.
The article uses China's involvement in North Korea as an example of a shift in tactics by China in foreign relations. China used its influence over North Korea to get some form of negotiation started on their nuclear programme.
These changes are put in the context of other changes in Chinese foreign policy -- settling of many long-standing border disputes, engagement with international institutions and rules, involvement in Asian regional politics and economics, opening up of media access in China, and a noticable shift in attitude towards Taiwan. All of these point to a shift in Chinese attitude to international relations.
The authors question if this is a momentary tactical shift, or a genuine strategic re-orientation -- and seem to favour the latter. The proviso is that China's foreign policy is likely to be strongly geared around its domestic situation for a long time yet. These changes could just as easily mean that China becomes more adept at frustrating international progress towards security and stability, rather than a positive contributer to the international community.