Towards a Chinese theory of international relations evidenced in practice and policy

Academic discussions of a Chinese international relations theory are frequently centred on the belief that the Chinese outlook radically differs from the Western tradition and that Chinese international relations theory could significantly contribute to better understanding world politics. While Chinese scholars have critiqued Western international relations theory as Eurocentric or American-led, the emerging Chinese international relations theory has long been impacted by concerns inside Chinese academia over the Sinocentrism it contains. In addition, Chinese international relations theory is also heavily influenced by the power of the Chinese Communist Party, which often eliminates scholars’ views on the nature and contribution Chinese international relations theory could offer to the wider discipline of international relations. This chapter engages with the internal dialogues on Chinese international relations theory inside of China and considers the pervasive influence the Chinese Communist Party has on the formation of Chinese international relations in policy and practice, and how this manifests itself in Chinese foreign policy.