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The construction of inclusiveness: Chinese political philosophy in China’s diplomatic innovations for Belt and Road cooperation

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Abstract

The Belt and Road Initiative is a significant achievement in China’s diplomatic innovation. Over the past decade, the Belt and Road cooperation has made steady progress, deepening and expanding its reach. In this process, China has introduced a range of groundbreaking diplomatic theories and practices, playing a pivotal role in shaping the initiative. Notably, these conceptual innovations encompass principles of extensive consultation, joint contribution, and shared benefits. They also include a coordination-based approach to cooperation, interconnectivity as the main focus of cooperative projects, the correct concept of justice and interests, and the cooperation vision of a community with a shared future. Regarding mechanisms, China has established the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation, explored third-party market cooperation, and cooperated with international organizations to promote the Belt and Road Initiative. At its core, the concept of inclusiveness is the defining characteristic and fundamental value of China’s diplomatic innovations for the Belt and Road cooperation. This reflects a modern reinterpretation of traditional Chinese political philosophy, which encompasses the ideas of oneness, all-inclusiveness, and harmony. However, Chinese diplomacy also faces three challenges: the cost of inclusion, asymmetric inclusion, and the paradox of inclusion. To address these, a gradual inclusive process, promotion of mutual inclusion, and the shaping of inclusive norms are necessary.

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  1. National Institute of International Strategy, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, No. 3 Zhang Zizhong Road, Dongcheng District, Beijing, China

    Le Liu

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Liu, L. The construction of inclusiveness: Chinese political philosophy in China’s diplomatic innovations for Belt and Road cooperation. China Int Strategy Rev. 5, 193–212 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s42533-023-00149-y

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