ABSTRACT
This chapter examines how to define and to understand the concept of "Third World," especially after the collapse of the bipolar, Cold War world. It also examines patterns in the history of China's relations with the Third World and the various strategies that Beijing has employed to mobilize support among the countries of Asia, Africa, and Latin America. The chapter focuses on the factors that appear to be the main determinants of People's Republic of China (PRC) policy toward the Third World. The Third World line in PRC foreign policy sought to shape the have-nots of Asia, Africa, and Latin America into a revolutionary force to overturn the global status quo. The Third World, especially the countries of Asia, became the focus of China's human rights diplomacy. Chinese diplomacy focused on the Asian preparatory meeting held in Bangkok, where Beijing won support for a declaration that challenged the Western position, prompting a debate about "Asian values" versus universalism.
