ABSTRACT
In this chapter I summarize the discussions of the previous chapters and argue that Chinese exceptionalism provides a more comprehensive interpretation compared to mainstream IR theories in explaining Chinese international politics. However, I also note that China’s claims to exceptionalism lack universal appeal and are fundamentally self-serving rather than outward facing. This suggests that Beijing’s political worldview reflects a narrow vision of what the international political order should entail and is largely developed with China’s own interests in mind.
