The China Debate and the Civilization Debate

Abstract

This paper examines the relationship between Chinese economic reform and foreign policy orientations. The emphasis is on the nature of Chinese nationalism and its modern transformation. The author contends that China`s economic reform policy is based on economic nationalism. Its success so far has not resulted in a stronger state. On the contrary, the state power over politics, economy, foreign policy, and society has been greatly diminished. It would be a mistake to assess Chinese foreign policy based on the assumption that a stronger economy in China will necessarily lead to an aggressive foreign policy. Completely wrong would be to suggest China will follow the example of early great powers, Imperial Germany in particular, in seeking regional or global hegemony. China is much weaker internally and its overriding concern during reform is domestic stability.