China’s Global Rise: “Great Power Diplomacy with Chinese Characteristics”

China’s global rise is one of the most important drivers re-shaping international relations in the 21st century. Since Xi Jinping took up his second term as China’s supreme leader in 2017, Chinese foreign policy has become markedly more confident, active, assertive, and even aggressive. Chinese foreign policy is guided by Xi’s global strategy, which aims to deliver the “China Dream of national rejuvenation” by 2050 at the very latest. This means to restore China’s stature to its ancient glory, when China enjoys unrivalled “comprehensive national strength” and was respected as the First Power in premodern Asia. This module aims to explore what these visions of Xi means in real terms, how they have been pursued in Chinese foreign policy, and the impacts they have generated to China, western powers, the Indo Pacific region, the global south, and the world order. Students will be introduced to a range of theories, concepts, and analytical frameworks to study and research Chinese foreign policy and international relations. They will also be guided to critically evaluate—and, where appropriate, to make adaptations to—these theories, concepts, and frameworks on the basis of triangulating a diverse range of evidence. Furthermore, this module will equip students with the knowledge and skills to carry out independent research into Chinese foreign policy. This includes developing the skills to accurately and effectively interpret and use China-produced literatures (official, semi-official and unofficial sources) in the English language.

By the end of the module, students will be able to:

· Describe and explain the major changes of Chinese foreign policy before and after Xi Jinping came to power, and evaluate the implications of these changes to China and the world.

· Comment on the political, economic, and foreign policy implications of China’s engagements with the rest of the world to the global order, the Indo Pacific region, the world economy, international institutions, and China-US competitions.

· Carry out advanced research, using cutting-edge theories and robust methods, into Chinese foreign policy independently and collaboratively.

· Formulate policy recommendations, for governments, businesses, and NGOs, in response to China’s engagements with the rest of the world.

· Interpret the real meaning of Chinese foreign policy jargons with accuracy and confidence.

Transferrable skills:

• Communication skills

• Presentation skills

• Writing skills

• Advanced research skills

• Critical thinking skills

• Independent research skills

• Collaborative work skills

• Problem solving

• Time management

• Awareness of current affairs

• Self-awareness skills

• Cultural sensitivity

Employability skills:

· Being able to conduct advanced research of social scientific phenomena using a diverse range of resources.

· Being able to effectively organize, accurately summarize, and critically evaluate a large amount of information from various sources.

· Being able to work independently and collaboratively, demonstrating problem-solving skills, the ability to take initiatives, and good time management.

· Being able to use information technology for the retrieval, storage, and presentation of information.

· Being able to demonstrate a high level of awareness and sensitivity to diversity.

· Being able to communicate subject specialist knowledge in a plain language and in an effective format, in oral and in writing.