ABSTRACT
This chapter defines Tai Chi as a cultural phenomenon different from Tai Chi as a martial art. It introduces the origin and development of Tai Chi Quan from the 17th century to the founding of the PRC in 1949. The chapter examines the different stages of its development from a martial art with its origins in rural society to a diplomacy tool. The examination reveals that the development of Tai Chi diplomacy went from the initial reactive responses to requests for Tai Chi Quan training and demonstration from the outside world, to the recent active or even proactive employment of Tai Chi Quan by stakeholders for image building and business. The chapter also shows how the convergence of interests between the state and society makes collaboration in Tai Chi diplomacy possible. It explains the transformation of state-society relationships under commercialisation, globalisation, and pursuit of soft power as crucial dynamics shaping the emergence and conduct of “rising powers” such as China.
