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Geoff332 · Nov 2, 2003, 06:25 pm

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.

RebelWithanAK · Nov 2, 2003, 07:06 pm

Tell me, what country's foreign policy isn't based on their domestic situation? At least China is opening up. That's always a good thing.

Nov 2, 2003, 07:06 pm	#2 (permalink) (top)
RebelWithanAK Igneous Magma Location: New York City Posts: 739	Tell me, what country's foreign policy isn't based on their domestic situation? At least China is opening up. That's always a good thing. . . . whenever any government becomes destructive to these ends, it is the right of the people to alter or to abolish it, and to institute a new government, laying its foundations on such principles and organizing its powers in such forms as to them shall seem most likely to effect their safety and happiness.

Nov 2, 2003, 06:25 pm	#1 (permalink) (top)
Geoff332 Igneous Magma Location: New Zealand Posts: 309	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.