The 20th CPC National Congress and China’s Foreign Policy: implication and reflection

A new central leadership was elected at the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC), ensuring China’s domestic political stability and the continuity of its domestic policies. As an extension of China’s domestic politics, China’s diplomacy stands to likewise embody stability and continuity with regard to its overarching structure, ideology, and diplomatic principles. However, the report delivered by General Secretary Xi Jinping to the 20th CPC National Congress on October 16, 2022 contains two new proclamations, provided with supporting analysis, about the current international landscape and its dynamics. One deals with increasing uncertainty within the external environment; the other formalizes China’s self-image as a major power with expanded diplomatic reach and more substantive diplomatic activities and positions. Viewing the world from their vantage point in China, China’s diplomatic and foreign relations officials intend to exude the following characteristics: greater resolve and clarity in China’s development goals and path, commitment to enhancing balanced and positive interactions with other major countries, and greater accountability as a major country via more proactive diplomacy. In highlighting “Chinese characteristics,” China’s diplomacy will prioritize national security and demonstrate a stronger fighting spirit.