From ‘International Relations’ to ‘Global Foreign Policy’—Examining the New Framework of Chinese Strategic Relations Through the BRI

Abstract

AbstractAccording to Carr, ‘Every political judgement helps to modify the facts on which it is passed’. This paper seeks to explore this proposition by following Xi’s actions throughout his past seven years, addressing the change in his agenda from that of internal political stabilisation, to global foreign policy. By understanding the implications of the ‘Chinese Way’, the transformations which were spurred on by the surge in Sinocentrism will be analysed in line with the developments in Chinese regional strategy. The Anglo-American approach towards the ongoing process of Sinification has since approached a critical juncture, facilitated by the increasing fractures in the global power balance. As such, the role and likely success of the BRI initiative will ultimately be dependent on the ability of the current Xi administration to realign themselves among the existing strategic networks. The projected complications brought on by the growing reluctance to comply with China-led objectives will again be evaluated to discern the future efficacy of the OROB.KeywordsChinese IR and foreign policyXi’s diplomacyThe ‘Chinese way’Re-align policySinocentrism