Peking's International Position and the Cold War

Abstract

Chinese Communist foreign policy is a blend of three major ingredients: the cultural confidence of the imperial Chinese tradition, the psychological energy of modern Chinese nationalism, and the political aggressiveness of contemporary Chinese Communism. These elements combine to produce a pluralist mentality which is frequently evident in Peking's vig orous cold war diplomacy. Mainland China's pattern of for eign relations is complex but cohesive. Its basic aim is the attainment of recognized international status as a major power. Its instrumentalities vary widely: political, economic, cultural, and propaganda devices are all used regularly. During the past decade, Peking's "people's diplomacy" has helped Com munist China to overcome the limitations imposed by its de jure position and to gain increased influence in Asian affairs. Re cently Communist policy has manifested growing interest in the so-called "national independence forces" not only in Asia but also in the Middle East, Africa, and even Latin America. Both Chinese national interest and Communist ideology compel Com munist China to attempt to extend its ties in these areas.