China’s Foreign Policy Evolution: From “Hiding” to “Rising”

“A fish cannot turn into a dragon in a shallow pond.” This proverb seemingly resonated with Chinese leaders from time immemorial until the late 20th century. The period after the 9th National Congress of the Communist Party of China marked the beginning of China’s “fish-to-dragon” transformation on the international stage, a dramatic shift from a strategy of “hiding” to one of “rising.”

A Multifaceted Picture of China’s Foreign Policy Since the 9th Party Congress

From “Closed Doors” to “Openness and Integration”

In the mid-19th century, the Qing Dynasty clung to the “Celestial Empire” mentality, considering itself the center of the world. The “Closed Door Policy” acted as a formidable wall, isolating China from the outside world. However, persistent pressure from Western powers eventually led to the crumbling of this wall.

In 1978, the 11th National Congress of the Communist Party of China ushered in a new era for the nation. The “Reform and Opening-up” policy emerged as a breath of fresh air, igniting the nation’s aspirations for advancement. China gradually integrated into the global economy, actively participating in international organizations such as the United Nations and the WTO.

China joining the WTO

From “Bamboo Diplomacy” to “Major Power Diplomacy”

In the early years following the establishment of the People’s Republic of China (1949), China pursued a “bamboo diplomacy,” characterized by flexibility and reliance on the Soviet Union and the socialist bloc. However, the 1969 border war between the two countries led China to realize the importance of self-reliance.

Entering the 21st century, China is no longer a docile “panda” but a powerful “dragon,” ready to assert its status as a major power on the international stage. This is evidenced by the rise of “economic diplomacy,” “cultural diplomacy,” and the controversial “wolf warrior diplomacy.”

China's current foreign policy

Behind the Transformation: Opportunities and Challenges

This dramatic shift in foreign policy has brought China remarkable socio-economic achievements. However, this rapid rise has also sparked concerns within the international community regarding China’s hegemonic ambitions.

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Note:

• This article is for informational purposes only and does not endorse any political viewpoint.
• The information in this article is compiled from various sources and may change over time.

Frequently Asked Questions:

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To gain a deeper understanding of China’s foreign policy since the 9th Party Congress and its impact on the region and the world, readers can refer to other articles on the “XE TẢI HÀ NỘI” website.

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