ABSTRACT
Since its acceptance to the World Trade Organization (WTO) in 2001, China has been practicing relational diplomacy. While all diplomacy is about relationships, the typical Chinese relational diplomacy determines not only its perceptions of global issues but also its decisions on appropriate diplomatic actions. In recent years, Chinese leadership has made herculean efforts to propagate mutually beneficial relationships with other nations, emphasizing that shared economic benefits will prove rewarding to both nations. The superbly ambitious “One Belt One Road” projects, for example, are trying to connect 65 countries with mutually beneficial infrastructures and commercial projects. But China, with its advantage of rapid economic development, faces some difficult challenges. On the one hand, it must calm the nerves of the smaller nations with reassurance that what it seeks is harmonious relationships not hegemony; on the other hand, it has to appease the older and richer nations in the existing world order that China wishes to be a “team player,” not a “boat rocker.” Besides, Chinese diplomats are still wrestling with issues such as abiding by the existing international laws versus following “the doctrine of reasonableness,” or taking a vital role in world issues such as fighting terrorism or closing its borders to make sure the country is safe.
