Foreign policy will rise up Beijing's agenda

Subject

China's foreign policy machinery.

Significance

China has a more assertive foreign policy doctrine than it had even just ten years ago. Beijing's 1980s-90s maxim of 'hide your light and bide your time' gave way to the 'peaceful rise' of the 2000s. President Xi Jinping has, in turn, refashioned this as part of the 'Great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation'.

Impacts

• Rising Chinese investment and aid will increase favourable views of China and political support for Beijing, but not consistently.
• If China were better able to clarify its foreign policy goals, fewer people and states would view it with caution.
• China’s international media presence will improve its image and its influence, though some countries will be more receptive than others.