Xi Jinping’s Dominance in China’s Foreign Policy

Abstract

This paper analyses Xi Jinping’s role in China’s foreign policy from elitepolitics perspective focusing on first, the policy preferences and worldviews of political elites; second, balance of power among political elites; and third, the sectoral interests behind political elites. China’s foreign policies have generally developed in line with Xi’s policy preferences and worldview. The current balance of power is in Xi’s favour. His administration comprises mostly local cadres, whose developmentalist policy preferences are reflected in foreign policies.