Chinese Diplomacy Discourse in the Prism of the Relations with the Sub-Saharan Region

Marianna Levtov

doi:10.22158/ape.v4n4p80

Abstract

Chinese economic reforms initiated by Deng Xiaoping have given China the necessary push for the development and growth of the domestic economy. The People’s Republic of China (PRC) under Xi Jinping claims, that the originally planned transformation is completed, and China is ready for achieving new goals, such as first peripherical and, later, global dominance, leadership in manufacturing and technology and probably even the moral benchmark. The PRC presents a new model of global order with its active position as the super nation.Chinese current behaviour on the international stage is the direct illustration of the political thought of Xi Jinping. To understand the main principles and the vision of the PRC under Xi, his principles of diplomacy have been analysed.This paper claims, that the rhetoric of Xi Jinping and his administration is a neo-pragmatic approach, which includes nativism, anti-traditionalism and pragmatism within.The article takes as a case study for the implementation of the Chinese foreign policy the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) member states.Contrarily to the American dominance, China suggests guidance, collaboration with mutual benefits and growth, which involves both sides. “Shift in space” stresses the concrete steps for achieving the “China’s dream” of rejuvenation.

Highlights

Chinese science fiction film of 2019, “The Wandering Earth” directed by Frant Gwo, at first glance looks like a parody on apocalyptic Hollywood cinema
The People’s Republic of China (PRC) presents a new model of global order with its active position as the super nation
The existing theories of the International Relations are usually based on the Western political thought and cannot be a univocal approach to analyse China’s foreign policy and political strategies

Summary

Introduction

Chinese science fiction film of 2019, “The Wandering Earth” (liulangdiqiu 流浪地球) directed by Frant Gwo, at first glance looks like a parody on apocalyptic Hollywood cinema. Nowadays ZhonghuaMinzu include 56 ethnic groups, the concept is both cultural and political and according to the authorities, refers to both, people within the PRC and those sharing the historical and cultural concepts, described by Liang Qichao In this broad definition, the second insist of Xi sends a message of the “superpower China” and national rejuvenation for Chinese ethnicities in the PRC, Hong Kong, Taiwan and abroad. The last closing statement of adapting to the time of changes demonstrates the modern Chinese pragmatism, which syndicates Chinese tradition (till the end of Qing Dynasty and what has become “new tradition” till the beginning of the Xi Jinping’s era) and the need to adapt to the global challenges In comparison of both texts, the American and the Chinese foreign policy principles, the difference in chosen narrative and particular expressions is well recognized. The Party under Xi Jinping attempts to approach different audiences; international community, bilateral partner, Chinese minorities world-wide, Taiwan, Hong-Kong, the PRC population, political elites, and many others

Chinese Rhetoric and International Relations Theories

Conclusion