Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

From Reservation to Ambiguity: Academic Debates and China’s Diplomatic Strategy Under Hu’s Leadership

  • Published:
East Asia Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

I examine the views of Chinese scholars during the decade of Hu’s leadership concerning China’s diplomatic strategy with respect to the judgment of China’s national power, the orientation of China’s diplomatic goals, and the choice of China’s foreign policy. Chinese scholars increasingly judged China as an emerging major power in a multi-polarizing world. The mainstream academic attitude was that China should augment its international role. The discourse on China’s diplomatic goals experienced a skillful and tacit transition from the “keep a low profile” principle to the “harmonious world” proposal, featured by the shift in emphasis, the expansion of interpretation, and the substitution of concepts. The Chinese academia unanimously endorsed the governmental proposal of the road of peaceful development, while ambiguity can be observed in China’s more assertive responses to challenges to its “core interests”, agenda setting attempts in multilateral cooperation, and various endeavors to gain “soft power”. Underlying the transition of China’s diplomatic strategy was the materialist way of thinking concerning international relations.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

Notes

  1. For resources in Chinese, both English and Chinese titles are provided. Brackets indicate the English titles are provided with the original text, and square brackets mean the English titles are translated by the author of this paper.

References

  1. Goldstein, J., & Keohane, R. O. (1993). Ideas and Foreign Policy: An Analytical Framework. In J. Goldstein, & R. O. Keohane (Eds.), Ideas and foreign policy: beliefs, institutions, and political change (pp. 3-30). Ithaca: Cornell University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  2. Tan, Z. (2005). Reflections on "Keeping a Low Profile, Striving for Something Worthwhile" [“韬光养晦,有所作为”的理论思考]. International Survey (国际观察)(01), 68-73.

  3. Li, H. (2006). The International Strategy Policy and Significance of Deng Xiao-ping's Concealing His True Intention (邓小平“韬光养晦”国际战略方针及其重大意义). Journal of Central South University (Social Science) (中南大学学报(社会科学版))(05), 537-543.

  4. Wang, Z. (2010). Innovatively Insist "Keeping a Low Profile, Striving for Something Worthwhile" [论创造性坚持韬光养晦、有所作为]. Contemporary International Relations (现代国际关系)(S1), 48-53.

  5. Li, B. (2000). "Post-Cold War" World Order and China's Diplomacy in the New Century-- In Discussion with Pang Zhongying [“冷战后”世界秩序与新世纪中国外交——与庞中英商榷]. World Economics and Politics (世界经济与政治)(1), 76-79.

  6. Shen, S. (2010). Introduction: Multidimensional Diplomacy as a Global Phenomenon. In S. Shen, & J. M. F. Blanchard (Eds.), Multidimensional diplomacy of contemporary China (pp. 3-20). Lanham, Md.: Lexington Books.

  7. Xing, Y., & Zhang, J. (2006). Reflections on the "Keep a Low Profile" Strategy-- Also on China's International Image Building [“韬光养晦”战略再思考——兼论如何树立中国的国际形象]. International Review (国际观察)(06), 13-19.

  8. Bergsten, C. F. (2008). A Partnership of Equals: How Washington Should Respond to China's Economic Challenge. Foreign Affairs, 87(4), 57-69.

    Google Scholar 

  9. Economy, E. C., & Segal, A. (2009). The G-2 Mirage: Why the United States and China Are Not Ready to Upgrade Ties. Foreign Affairs, 88(3), 14-23.

    Google Scholar 

  10. Transcript of Yang Jiechi's Interview with NHK [杨洁篪接受日本广播协会采访实录]. (2009, November 30). People's Daily (人民日报).

  11. Guo, L. (2007). "Keeping a Low Profile" and Peaceful Development [韬光养晦与和平发展]. World Outlook (国际展望)(05), 2.

    Google Scholar 

  12. Pei, Y. (2006). China's Diplomatic Strategy and Peaceful Development [中国外交战略与和平发展]. International Studies (国际问题研究)(01), 4-8.

  13. Wang, J., & Kokubun, R. (2004). The Rise of China and a Changing East Asian Order. Tokyo: Japan Center for International Exchange.

    Google Scholar 

  14. Shambaugh, D. L. (2005). Power Shift: China and Asia's New Dynamics. Berkeley: University of California Press.

    Google Scholar 

  15. Christensen, T. J. (2006). Fostering Stability or Creating a Monster? The Rise of China and U.S. Policy toward East Asia. International Security, 31(1), 81-126.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  16. Zhao, X. (2010). China's Diplomacy: From "Striving for Something Worthwhile" to "Taking Advantage of an Opportunity" [中国外交:从“有所作为”到“顺势而为”]. Contemporary International Relations (现代国际关系)(11), 8-10.

  17. Cai, T. (2008). The Positioning of the Contemporary China and Strategic Ideas [当代中国的定位与战略理念]. Contemporary International Relations (现代国际关系)(09), 22-23.

  18. China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI). http://www.cnki.net/. Accessed January 30 2015.

  19. Fu, M. (2008). International Political and Economic Conditions Are under Profound Changes [国际政治经济形势正在经历巨变]. Contemporary International Relations (现代国际关系)(09), 5-7.

  20. Jin, C. (2008). How to Understand International Grand Trends [如何认识国际大趋势]. Contemporary International Relations (现代国际关系)(09), 3-5.

  21. Chen, Y. (2010). Current Diplomatic Environment and China's Response [中国当前外交环境及应对]. Contemporary International Relations (现代国际关系)(11), 2-4.

  22. Wang, J. (2011). The International Positioning of China and the Strategic Principle of "Keeping a Low Profile while Getting Something Accomplished" (中国的国际定位问题与“韬光养晦,有所作为”的战略思想). International Studies (国际问题研究)(2), 4-9.

  23. Lin, L. (2008). On China's International Strategy in the "Post-Olympics Era" [对“奥运后时代”中国国际战略的思考]. Contemporary International Relations (现代国际关系)(09), 33-34.

  24. Wang, C. (2010). The Innovation of the CCP's Foreign Policy Discourse and the Party's Perception of China's Role in World Affairs, 1949-2008. In S. Shen, & J. M. F. Blanchard (Eds.), Multidimensional diplomacy of contemporary China (pp. 21-46). Lanham, Md.: Lexington Books.

    Google Scholar 

  25. Yan, X., Cheng, R., Miao, H., & Qian, W. (2003). China's Diplomacy Is Becoming Mature [中国外交走向成熟]. World Affairs (世界知识)(03), 30-35.

  26. Chu, S. (2003). China's Foreign Strategy during the Period of Building a Relatively Wealthy Society (全面建设小康时期的中国外交战略). World Economics and Politics (世界经济与政治)(08), 8-13.

  27. Yang, J. (2003). Important Period of Strategic Opportunities and Historical Task of China's Diplomacy [重要战略机遇期与中国外交的历史任务]. Studies On Mao Zedong and Deng Xiaoping Theories (毛泽东邓小平理论研究)(04), 60-67.

  28. Cai, T. (2008). Ideas of Globalization and Transition of China's Foreign Strategies: A Review on China's Diplomacy Philosophy within the Past 30 Years (全球化观念与中国对外战略的转型). World Economics and Politics (世界经济与政治)(11), 62-72.

  29. Su, C. (2008). An Analysis of Chinese Diplomatic Capacity- A Perspective of Integrating Domestic and International Politics (中国外交能力分析). Foreign Affairs Review (外交评论)(04), 7-13.

  30. Zhao, K. (2012). Constructive Leadership and China's Diplomatic Transformation (建设性领导与中国外交转型). World Economics and Politics (世界经济与政治)(05), 42-57.

  31. Jin, Z., & Qiao, X. (2007). On the New Concepts of Modern Chinese Diplomacy (当代中国外交新理念探析). Teaching and Research (教学与研究)(03), 87-92.

  32. Ye, Z. (2002). Keeping a Low Profile and Striving for Something Worthwhile-- On China's Major Power Diplomatic Thinking [关于韬光养晦和有所作为——再谈中国的大国外交心态]. Pacific Journal (太平洋学报)(01), 62-66.

  33. Zhou, S. (2008). Insist the "Never Become a Leader" Guideline, Work for a New World Order [坚守“不当头”方针 推动建设国际新秩序]. Contemporary International Relations (现代国际关系)(09), 32-33.

  34. Cai, T. (2010). Important Issues about the International Orientation of the Contemporary China [当代中国国际定位中的几个重要问题]. Contemporary World & Socialism (当代世界与社会主义)(01), 103-108.

  35. Gong, L. (2009). The Historical Evolution and Basic Experiences of New China's International Strategy (新中国国际战略的历史演进与基本经验). Academic Exploration (学术探索)(05), 6-10.

  36. Qu, X. (2004). The Realistic Significance of Deng Xiaoping's Diplomatic Thought (邓小平外交思想的现实意义). World Economics and Politics (世界经济与政治)(11), 15-18.

  37. Wang, Y. (2012). On Several Issues about China's Diplomatic Strategy: Consistency and Changes in China's Diplomatic Strategy [关于中国外交战略一些问题的探讨——中国外交战略的“不变”与“变”]. Contemporary World (当代世界)(09), 15-17.

  38. Chen, Y. (2011). China's Current Diplomacy: New Trends and New Features (当前中国外交的新走向和新特点). Jilin University Journal Social Sciences Edition (吉林大学社会科学学报)(03), 25-29.

  39. Glaser, B. S., & Medeiros, E. S. (2007). The Changing Ecology of Foreign Policy-making in China: the Ascension and Demise of the Theory of 'Peaceful Rise'. China quarterly, 190, 291-310.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  40. Yang, L. (2013). Adjustments of China's Diplomatic Strategy in the Context of Peaceful Rise[和平崛起背景下的中国外交战略调整]. Theoretical Investigation (理论探讨)(02), 18-22.

  41. Shih, C.-y., & Yin, J. (2013). Between Core National Interest and a Harmonious World: Reconciling Self-role Conceptions in Chinese Foreign Policy. The Chinese Journal of International Politics, 6, 59-84.

  42. China's Peaceful Development (2011). P. R. C. Information Office of the State Council. Beijing.

  43. Shi, Y. (2003). Beijing Six Party Talks and China's Diplomatic Achievements [北京六方会谈与中国外交作为]. Teaching and Research (教学与研究)(10), 21-23.

  44. 2006 Bulletin of China's Marine Administrative Law Enforcement [2006年中国海洋行政执法公报] (2007). P. R. C. State Oceanic Administration. Beijing.

  45. 2007 Bulletin of China's Marine Administrative Law Enforcement [2007年中国海洋行政执法公报] (2008). P. R. C. State Oceanic Administration. Beijing.

  46. Foreign Ministry Spokesman Liu Jianchao's Remarks on Chinese Marine Surveillance Ships Entering the Waters near the Diaoyu Islands (2008). http://www.china-un.org/eng/fyrth/t525428.htm. Accessed January 30 2015.

  47. Development Plan of the Press and Publication Industry during the Period of the "11th Five-Year Plan" ["新闻出版业“十一五”发展规划] (2006). P.R.C. State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television. Beijing.

  48. Global Dynamic Database Resource on Chinese Culture (2013). Beijing Foreign Studies University. http://www.gddrcc.org/lmjs.do?subcode=DB02000000&discode=BY0200000000. Accessed January 31, 2015.

  49. Wang, J. (2012). “Marching Westwards”: The Rebalancing of China’s Geostrategy. International and Strategic Studies Report. Beijing: Center for International and Strategic Studies, Peking University.

  50. Kissinger, H. (2011). On China. New York: The Penguin Press.

    Google Scholar 

  51. Pan, Z. (2010). China's New Strategy for Peaceful Development: From Tide-Surfing to Tide-Making (从“随势”到“谋势”——有关中国进一步和平发展的战略思考). World Economics and Politics (世界经济与政治)(02), 4-18.

  52. Yuan, P. (2012). Great Era and Grand Strategy-- Also on Ten Relationships China's Diplomacy Has to Handle in the New Period [关于大时代与大战略的思考——兼论新时期中国外交需要处理的十对关系]. Contemporary World and Socialism (当代世界与社会主义)(04), 11-15.

  53. Wang, F., & Ling, S. (2013). Has China's Foreign Policy Become Assertive?-- How to Understand China's New Diplomacy [中国的外交政策变强硬了吗?——如何理解中国新外交]. Contemporary World (当代世界)(03), 23-27.

  54. Guo, S. (2013). Chinese Politics and Government: Power, Ideology and Organization. London: Routledge.

    Google Scholar 

  55. Qin, Y. (2008). Reflections on the Development of a Chinese Theory of Diplomacy (关于构建中国特色外交理论的若干思考). Foreign Affairs Review (外交评论)(01), 9-17.

  56. Fang, C. (2005). Establishment of Chinese Theory of International Relation: Problems and Considerations (中国国际关系理论建设:问题与思考). Teaching and Research (教学与研究)(06), 46-51.

  57. Zhu, F. (2009). Innovative Studies for International Relations Theory with Chinese Characteristics: A New Agenda, a New Framework, and New Challenges (中国特色的国际关系与外交理论创新研究——新议程、新框架、新挑战). International Politics Quarterly (国际政治研究)(02), 1-14.

  58. Xi Jinping Holds Discussion with German Sinologists, Faculty Representatives of Confucius Institutes and Student Representatives of Chinese Language Learning (2014). http://gothenburg.chineseconsulate.org/eng/xwdt/t1164906.htm. Accessed January 30 2015.

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of European & International Studies, King’s College London, Virginia Woolf Building, 22 Kingsway, London, WC2B 6NR, UK

    Wei Huang

Authors
  1. Wei Huang
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Wei Huang.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Huang, W. From Reservation to Ambiguity: Academic Debates and China’s Diplomatic Strategy Under Hu’s Leadership. East Asia 32, 67–81 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12140-015-9226-6

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12140-015-9226-6

Keywords

Search

Navigation