Social Diplomacy and China's Foreign Policy: Transformation and Global Challenges

In the context of the accelerating transformation of the international system and globalization, China's modern foreign policy demonstrates an evolution from defensive strategies to proactive leadership in shaping international rules and standards. The purpose of this study is to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the transformation of China's foreign policy from 1949 to the present. The results of the research show that China has gone through three stages in its foreign policy: the first stage (1949–1978) was characterized by a policy of confrontation with blocs and support for national liberation movements, and the second stage (1979–2013) focused on economic integration within the framework of globalization; the third stage, “Striving for Development” (1978-2012), “Rule-making” (from 2013 to the present) in which China actively participated in the development of international standards and global governance initiatives, was followed by the results of the study. Modern Chinese diplomacy combined economic, technological, and institutional instruments of influence to demonstrate institutional strengthening in multilateral formats. It promoted the “One Belt, One Road” initiative and actively participated in creating new standards for digital economy and climate regulations. Within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative, it was necessary to update the paradigm of South-South Cooperation and create a “Global Partnership Network” covering 128 countries to achieve mutually beneficial cooperation and shared development. In conclusion, it is emphasized that China continues to form a new model of foreign policy activity focused on a balanced combination of national interests and the responsibilities of a great power in the context of an increasingly complex global dynamic.