NEW FOREIGN POLICY STRATEGY OF CHINA – BETWEEN PRAGMATISM AND CHALLENGES

Arežina Dr Sanja (Dr Sanja Arežina, predsednik Instituta za društveni razvoj Jugoistočne Evrope (sEEsDI)), sanja_arezina@yahoo.com

China’s economic progress has had the effect of changing its foreign policy. Deng Xiaoping’s “be patient” policy, whose goal was to create a peaceful external environment so that the state could devote its energy to its internal development, to convince neighbors and key partners of China’s benevolent intentions and avoid confrontation with other great powers, has been replaced by a more assertive foreign policy after the global economic and financial crisis. In an attempt to legitimize its power the fifth generation of Chinese leaders has relied on nationalism to distract public attention from the stagnating GDP growth. A tougher approach towards its neighbors, lesser inclination towards compromise and responding with more pressure to external pressures points to the increased deviation from the “smile diplomacy” that China has implemented over the last few decades. Despite the economic benefits and cooperation interests, a constant increase in the Chinese military budget and overall Chinese aspirations causes distrust and fear among its neighboring countries. This inevitably leads to security dilemmas and a new arms race, where everyone will strive to position itself accordingly and to maneuver to strengthen its position and maximize its long-term interests.

Keywords: China, foreign policy strategy, “be patient” policy, smile diplomacy, economic and financial crisis, assertiveness, nationalism