ABSTRACT
The decision-making processes guiding the development of Chinese foreign policy have traditionally been difficult to observe, especially from outside of the country. An attempt to examine the people and agencies responsible for foreign policy development often provides only partial explanations or insights into Beijing’s current or future policies. Understanding the role of domestic politics behind the evolution of China’s international relations, begins with an analysis of the theories and ideas being used in China and elsewhere, including traditional theories of international relations and the growing role of different types of nationalism. China’s international interests under Hu Jintao were in many ways similar to those of Jiang. There was a great deal of emphasis on the protection of the international status quo and on developing trade and cooperation while enriching China’s people and economy. The Chinese Dream is a desire for happiness, similar to the dreams of people in other countries.
