The humanistic component of China's global and regional policy: key concepts and strategies

The article is dedicated to the analysis of the humanitarian component of the foreign policy of the People's Republic of China in a regional and global context. The subject of the research is the set of ideological concepts, value orientations, and practical strategies through which China shapes and promotes its humanitarian influence on the international stage. Special attention is paid to the evolution of China’s foreign policy discourse—from the concepts of "peaceful development" and "harmonious world," characteristic of Hu Jintao's leadership, to the idea of a "community of shared future for mankind" and the concept of "cultural soft power under state control," developed and institutionalized during Xi Jinping’s era. The article examines the role of culture, ideology, inter-civilizational dialogue, people’s diplomacy, and humanitarian exchanges as tools for strengthening China's international image, reducing foreign policy risks, and advancing national interests. The analysis covers the interrelation of the internal cultural-ideological policy of the PRC and its projection into foreign policy practice, as well as the influence of humanitarian factors on China's positioning in the system of modern international relations. The study employs civilizational and constructivist approaches, elements of "soft power" theory, as well as methods of comparative political analysis, historical-genetic analysis, and discourse analysis of official documents and speeches by Chinese leaders. The scientific novelty of the article lies in the comprehensive understanding of the humanitarian component of China's foreign policy as a holistic strategy that combines cultural, ideological, and political tools of influence. It concludes that the transition from the concept of a "harmonious world" to the idea of a "community of shared future for mankind" reflects not only the growth of China's international ambitions but also the desire to propose an alternative model of global development based on the principles of cultural diversity, sovereign equality, and mutual benefit. The article also argues that China's humanitarian strategy serves a dual function: on one hand, it aims to create a favorable external environment and strengthen the country's international authority, while on the other, it acts as a tool for internal consolidation and legitimization of the CCP's course.