China’s Foreign Policy after the 20th Party Congress and its Implications for the Korean Peninsula

Shin Jong Ho

(a024634@hanyang.ac.kr)

Associate Professor,

Hanyang University

English Abstract

Introduction

The 20th National Congress of the CCP (Party Congress) was held in Beijing’s Great Hall of the People from October 16 to October 22, 2022.

This paper overlooks domestic and foreign policy directions of Xi Jinping’s third term from the perspectives of ‘continuity’ and ‘change.’ It also aims to analyze their impact on China’s policies toward the Korean Peninsula and Korea-China relations.

The 20th Party Congress ‘Report’ and Policy Basis

The 20th Party Congress ‘Report’ presented by General Secretary Xi Jinping calls for a socialist modernization based on the values of socialism with Chinese Characteristics and outlines ‘continuity’ and ‘change’ of the existing policies.

To achieve to goal of ‘great modern socialist country,’ China emphasized the importance of economic development, national security and social stability to gain the legitimacy of the CCP’s long-term one-man rule system.

The Beginning of Xi Jinping’s ‘Dominant One-Man’ Rule System

The 20th Party Congress formed the leadership group of Xi Jinping’s third term which will plan and execute China’s domestic and foreign policies for the next five years.

All seven seats of the Standing Committee of the Politburo were filled by members of the Xi Faction including Xi Jinping himself. There is a high possibility that China’s future domestic and foreign policies will be influenced by Xi Jinping’s ideology.

Long-term Preparations for the Creation of a New International Order

China’s foreign policy will maintain the policy basis the Xi Jinping’s first and second term which was characterized by the promotion of the Community of Common Destiny through peace and common prosperity. It will also see changes to respond to the changing global affairs.

The Chinese leadership will continue to criticize the US-led hegemonic international order while maintaining its medium to long-term efforts in creating a new international order led by China centered on the UN Charter and international law.

While maintaining the four pillars of China’s foreign policy–great power diplomacy, network diplomacy, diplomacy with developing countries and multilateral diplomacy-, China will stress the importance of coalition and cooperation with regional countries and diplomacy with developing countries.

Implications for the Korean Peninsula

The intensification of US-China conflict and competition has created geopolitical and economic risks for the Korean Peninsula. This is likely to continue after the start of Xi Jinping’s third term.

The new leadership under Xi Jinping’s distinct dominance is likely to pursue more offensive and active foreign policies. Medium and long-term strategies should be established to resolve arising risks for the Korean Peninsula while concurrently strengthening strategic communications and cooperation to restore the political trust between South Korea and China.