China’s Diplomacy in the Xi Era

Of course, building China into a maritime power entails safeguarding the country’s sovereignty and maritime rights and interests. President Xi’s diplomacy emphasizes inclusiveness and cooperation, but also holds to the principle that China’s core interests must be safeguarded. During the third study session with members of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, Xi stressed that China would adhere to the path of peaceful development, but in no way would the country abandon its legitimate rights and interests, nor would it give up its core interests. “No foreign country should expect China to bargain with our core national interests or risk harming our sovereignty, security and development interests.”

ZHU FENG is executive director of the Collaborative Innovation Center for South China Sea Studies, based at Nanjing University, and associate dean of the Institute of International & Strategic Studies, Peking University.