China’s foreign policy since 2012: A question of communication and clarity

Abstract

China’s success in developing its economy since 1978 has been accompanied by an increasing geopolitical role. In recent years, this has been accentuated by the increasing confusion about the resilience of its own systems and global visions by the United States and its allies. China has never had a larger stage to exercise its influence and present its values and vision. It has created a set of narratives for its foreign policy that conveys this vision in ways which attempt to avoid normativeness, but assert China’s legitimate interests. Nevertheless, a number of challenges have emerged for China in the past five years and these will continue shaping China’s self-image and global role in the future.