– Jin Ming is a Beijing-based commentator –
In recent years, the development of international relations (IR) scholarship in China has undergone a profound transformation, as reflected in the notable progress made in constructing the discipline’s “three major systems” – the academic system, the theoretical system, and the discourse system. As an integral part of the broader landscape of philosophy and social sciences in China, the field of international relations, though not yet recognized as a first-level discipline, has witnessed remarkable advancements.
Advancements in the Academic System
One of the most significant developments in the academic system of international relations in China is the increasingly clear positioning of the discipline. International relations scholars have oriented their research to serve the needs of China’s distinctive great power diplomacy, striking a balance between foundational theoretical studies and applied policy research. This has resulted in the publication of numerous theoretical monographs and policy advisory reports, which have provided strong academic support for the decision-making of China’s foreign policy.
Additionally, the research scope of international relations in China has expanded considerably. Whereas in the pre-reform era, the field was primarily focused on tracking and analyzing the international landscape, the discipline has now matured, encompassing a wide range of issues related to China’s great power diplomacy, such as the trends and impacts of globalization, the progress and challenges of global governance, the evolution of the world order and its implications, the foreign policy dynamics of developed and developing countries, the development issues of the “Global South,” and the dynamics of North-South relations and South-South cooperation.
Strengthening the Theoretical System
The theoretical system of international relations in China has been characterized by a steadfast adherence to the guiding role of Socialism with Chinese Characteristics. Confronted with the complex external environment and the abundance of research data and information, international relations scholars have increasingly employed modern Chinese perspectives, viewpoints, and methodologies, integrating the fundamental principles of Marxism with the realities of international affairs and the practical challenges facing China’s great power diplomacy.
Alongside this, there has been a conscious pursuit of theoretical construction and innovation. While Western IR theories have played an important role in the emergence and development of the discipline in China, their inherent limitations and shortcomings have not been overlooked. As a rising global power, China has sought to develop its own distinctive international relations theories. Chinese scholars, driven by the practical aspirations and lofty ideals of China’s great power diplomacy, have engaged in necessary rejections and revisions of Western theories, striving to construct IR theories with Chinese characteristics. This has led to the emergence of concepts such as “moral realism,” “relational theory,” “creative intervention,” “the social evolutionary theory of international politics,” “cultural internationalism,” and “competitive-cooperative theory,” which have gained sustained attention within and beyond China’s academic circles.
Evolving Discourse System
The discourse system of international relations in China has undergone visible changes, making important contributions to the dissemination of China’s diplomatic thought and China’s distinctive great power diplomacy. In the pre-reform era, the discourse system on international issues in China emphasized themes such as the liberation of humanity, national liberation movements, war and revolution, and the anti-imperialist struggle of the Third World. In the new era, the rich ideas, concepts, and policies embedded in President Xi’s diplomatic thought and China’s great power diplomacy, such as the community of shared future for mankind, common values of humanity, the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, the Global Civilization Initiative, the Belt and Road Initiative, new-type international relations, true multilateralism, and Chinese-style modernization, have become the centerpiece of the international relations discourse system, guiding the research and discussions within the discipline.
Furthermore, the modes of discourse expression have diversified. In the past, the research outputs of scholars in the philosophy and social sciences disciplines were predominantly published and disseminated domestically, limiting their international influence. However, with the rapid advancement of globalization, digitalization, and the enhanced foreign language proficiency of Chinese scholars, the avenues for Chinese international relations scholars to engage with the global academic community have greatly expanded, allowing their research to reach a wider international audience.
In sum, the remarkable progress made in the construction of the “three major systems” of international relations scholarship in China reflects the discipline’s growing maturity and its pivotal role in supporting China’s distinctive great power diplomacy. By strengthening the academic system, consolidating the theoretical foundation, and shaping the discourse system, Chinese international relations scholars have made valuable contributions to the development of China’s international relations discipline.
As this field of study continues to evolve, the exploration of further advancements, such as the appropriate balance between academic research and political communication, the promotion of scholarly debates, the integration of theory and practice, the emphasis on small-state studies, and the potential recognition of international relations as a first-level discipline, will be crucial in solidifying China’s international relations scholarship and its capacity to provide robust academic support for China’s global leadership aspirations.
The academic construction of Chinese International Relations is based on the unprecedented great changes that are currently taking place and the theoretical and practical challenges it faces are tremendous. Therefore, its significance is undoubtedly profound.
Jin Ming is a Beijing-based commentator
