Chinese nationalism and foreign policy under Xi Jinping

• Main Author: Izaguirre Pechirra, Pilar
• Publication Date: 2024
• Format: Master thesis
• Language: eng
• Source: Repositórios Científicos de Acesso Aberto de Portugal (RCAAP)
• Download full: http://hdl.handle.net/10071/32716
• topic: Nationalism; Chinese foreign policy; Xi Jinping; Relações internacionais -- International relations; Nacionalismo; Política externa chinesa

This study analyzes the influence of nationalism on Chinese foreign policy under Xi Jinping's leadership, particularly examining whether it leads to a more assertive stance in Chinese foreign policy. As China asserts itself as a global power, its foreign policy under the leadership of Xi Jinping has garnered considerable attention, often described as increasingly assertive and frequently seen as driven by nationalist sentiment. Through a qualitative summative content analysis of Xi Jinping's speeches and writings, this study finds that nationalism does not necessarily lead to an assertive foreign policy. Domestically, Xi emphasizes national pride and rejuvenation to promote unity and legitimize the Chinese Communist Party rule. Internationally, his speeches focus on cooperation and multilateralism, portraying China’s rise as beneficial to global development. Xi understands that China cannot achieve its goals in isolation, so he promotes a peaceful and cooperative stance, integrating China into international and multilateral forums while advancing national interests. This strategy intertwines nationalism with international collaboration, maintaining domestic support while positioning China as a responsible global power.