Review of China's Foreign Policy and Practice

[Vincent Ondieki]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "China's Foreign Policy and Practice" by Wenguang SHAO.]

---

4 out of 5 stars

---

Share This Review

---

"China's Foreign Policy and Practice" by Wenguang Shao" is a comprehensive and insightful exploration of China's diplomatic strategies and international relations. The book offers a detailed survey of China's foreign policy, covering a timeline that spans from the 16th century to the present day. It is an essential read for anyone interested in understanding the intricacies of China's interactions with the world, particularly students of international relations, policymakers, and academics in the field of Asian studies.

Wenguang Shao's book is meticulously organized, providing a thorough examination of China's foreign policy through various historical periods and major geopolitical events. The author covers China's early foreign contacts, its interactions with Western powers, and the evolution of its diplomatic and economic policies over the centuries. Shao sets the historical context by discussing China's worldview as the "Middle Kingdom" and its early interactions with foreign powers, laying a crucial foundation for understanding how China's historical self-perception continues to influence its modern-day foreign policy.

The book delves into specific events such as the Opium Wars, Japan's incursions, and China's interactions with superpowers like the United States and the Soviet Union. These events are analyzed in detail, providing readers with a nuanced understanding of the complexities involved in China's international relations. One of the book's strengths lies in its comprehensive coverage of China's boundary disputes and regional diplomacy. Shao discusses how China has managed its borders and relationships with neighboring countries, often through a combination of military strategy, negotiations, and economic incentives. The book also explores China's trade negotiations and crisis management strategies, offering insights into how China leverages its economic power to achieve its diplomatic goals.

Shao brings a unique insider perspective to the book, having served as a senior diplomat in China's foreign service. His experience provides a deep understanding of the decision-making processes behind China's foreign policy, and this insider knowledge is evident throughout the book. While some readers might perceive a bias toward China's perspective, Shao's background allows him to present a well-informed and balanced view of China's diplomatic strategies.

The book is well-researched, drawing on a variety of primary sources, including Chinese records, memoirs, and declassified documents. This use of less accessible materials adds depth and credibility to the book, making it a valuable resource for readers looking to gain insights that are not readily available elsewhere. However, the reliance on Chinese sources might also limit the book's accessibility to non-Chinese readers, particularly those who are not familiar with the nuances of China's political landscape.

One of the most significant strengths of "China's Foreign Policy and Practice" is its comprehensive coverage of a broad timeline. The book effectively connects historical events with contemporary issues, providing readers with a well-rounded view of China's foreign policy. This approach helps readers understand how China's past continues to shape its present-day actions on the global stage.

Another positive aspect of the book is its educational value. Shao has tailored the book for a wide audience, making it accessible to students, academics, and general readers alike. The detailed case studies and examples provided in the book are particularly valuable for students of international relations, offering practical insights into the complexities of diplomacy.

Despite its many strengths, "China's Foreign Policy and Practice" has some limitations. The book's depth and complexity might be overwhelming for readers who are not well-versed in international relations or Chinese history. The detailed analysis, while valuable, requires a certain level of background knowledge to fully appreciate. Another potential drawback is the perceived bias in the book. Given the author's background and insider perspective, some readers might find that the book leans towards portraying China's foreign policy in a more favorable light. While this perspective is understandable given Shao's career and experiences, it is important for readers to approach the book with a critical eye and consider other perspectives as well. The book is professionally edited.

Overall, "China's Foreign Policy and Practice" by Wenguang Shao is a meticulously researched and insightful book that offers a comprehensive overview of China's foreign policy. The book's strengths lie in its insider perspective, detailed analysis, and educational value, though its complexity might pose challenges for some readers. Given its depth of content and the unique insights it provides, this book is an essential read for those seriously interested in China's role in international relations. Readers should, however, be prepared for a dense and complex exploration of the subject.

******
China's Foreign Policy and Practice
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

[Anthony Caleb]

I'm intrigued in this kind of book, I want to know a lot about China, especially the historical part of the country.

[Enkay Favour]

China’s Foreign Policy and Practice by Wenguang Shao promises a deep dive into China’s diplomatic evolution from the 16th century to today, enriched by Shao’s firsthand experience as a diplomat. The book’s broad historical scope and detailed case studies offer valuable insights into China’s global strategies, though it may be dense for those not well-versed in international relations. The blend of insider knowledge and comprehensive analysis suggests it’s a significant resource for understanding China’s intricate role in world affairs.

[Emmanuel olowolayemo]

"China's Foreign Policy and Practice" by Wenguang Shao provides an in-depth analysis of China's diplomatic strategies and international relations from the 16th century to the present. The book is meticulously organized and explores China's historical self-perception as the "Middle Kingdom," its interactions with Western powers, and key geopolitical events such as the Opium Wars and its relations with major superpowers. Shao, a former senior diplomat, offers a unique insider perspective, enriching the book with detailed case studies and primary sources.

While the book excels in its comprehensive coverage and educational value, it may be complex for those unfamiliar with international relations or Chinese history. Additionally, some readers might perceive a bias due to the author's background. Overall, it is a valuable resource for students, academics, and those interested in China's role on the global stage.

[Emmanuel Chima 3]

"China's Foreign Policy and Practice" by Wenguang Shao provides an in-depth and comprehensive analysis of China's diplomatic history and strategies. While it offers valuable insights and thorough coverage of both historical and contemporary issues, the book's complexity and potential bias may make it challenging for those without a strong background in international relations or Chinese history.

[Nuella Joseph]

*China's Foreign Policy and Practice* by Wenguang Shao seems like an in-depth analysis of China's international relations, offering valuable insights from an insider's perspective. However, it might be quite dense and challenging for readers without a background in international relations or Chinese history.

[Mercy Ndungu 9]

The book’s organization and depth, covering a broad timeline from historical to contemporary issues, are clearly appreciated. Your mention of the book’s detailed case studies and its educational value, particularly for students and academics, underscores its importance as a resource in understanding China’s foreign policy.This review is a helpful guide for prospective readers, providing them with a clear understanding of what to expect and how to approach the book effectively.