“Chinese Foreign Policy, the End of Isolation”

China converted its foreign policy into a way to maximize its profits in international affairs and systems instead of an isolation policy, the latest U.S. magazine Foreign Affairs analyzed.

Gives up hostility policy against International systems: Deng Xiaoping drove forward the Open Policy to escape isolation that was formed during Mao Zedong government in the late 1970s. Nevertheless, it was still limited in terms of international issues.

After the 1990s, China strengthened its “constructive tendency” while reducing hostile attitudes toward international systems.

The change embodies establishing various partnerships with other countries, joining in international organizations, actively participating in international affairs, and others. The role as an active mediator to solve North Korean nuclear crisis is a symbolic example of its change.

Makes beneficial environment for diplomatic security: Traditionally, China has been negative about forming security alliances. However, China established the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) with Russia and middle-Asian countries in 1996, and also founded “ASEAN + 3 (China, Japan, Korea)” in 1997. It concluded a frontier pact with Russia in 2001 and is trying to settle boundary disputes with India by this year. After all, China is maintaining the most stable borders for now.

It participated in Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) as one of the organizing members in 1996, held the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meeting in Shanghai in 2001, and decided to have regular meeting with North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) at the end of 2002. All these efforts are to reinforce the relations with western countries.

China also made an effort to participate more actively in the international society. It voted in favor of the U.N. Security Council’s decision to investigate Iraq for weapons of mass destruction. It supported the independence vote in East Timor, taking part in the U.N. peacekeeping forces as well.

Reconsiders professionalism in foreign policy: Chinese Foreign Policy presents new characteristics of establishing a professional line for diplomatic decision. More diplomatic officers, instead of high-ranking officers, bear the responsibility for policies of practical affairs.

Especially, at the end of 2000, China founded “National Security Leading Group” and settled a collective leadership system to minimize arbitrary decisions by individuals. The group reduces conflicts with the international society by consulting the documents of experts, the draft of policies, and obtaining advice.

Active public relations are also remarkable. China published 30 types of white books about important current affairs issues such as population, human rights, Taiwan, Tibet, and national defense. It increased the transparency of its policies and effectively informed its positions.

Yoo-Sung Hwang yshwang@donga.com