Chinese Diplomatic Tradition. An Overview from 280 BC until Today

Essay from the year 2017 in the subject History - Asia, grade: A, ( Atlantic International University ), language: English, abstract: This paper discusses the characteristics of the Chinese diplomatic tradition and individuals and events that have influenced and shaped Chinese diplomacy. This article aims to inform practitioners and students of diplomacy, and those interested in transnational diplomacy about the characteristics of Chinese diplomacy. It follows Chinese history from 480 BC on to the Post-Mao era. A quiz is included at the end of the paper.

The paper argues that in medieval times, the Chinese regarded themselves as the geographic center of civilization and considered non-Chinese as 'barbarians' who could not have any ties with China. Trade with other nations was considered to be an act of charity since China viewed itself as self-sufficient in its resources. This attitude changed during the First Opium War, and China became a major player in international relations.