Geopolitics features in Third Plenum communique
China’s evolving approach to foreign affairs featured prominently in the Third Plenum communique.
Why that’s interesting: Historically, Third Plenums haven’t concerned themselves much with foreign policy, focusing instead on domestic issues.
Noting that China faced “a grave and complex international environment,” the communique pledged to (Xinhua 2):
- “Pursue the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilization Initiative and call for an equal and orderly multipolar world and universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization.”
It also said China will:
- “Participate in efforts to lead the reform and development of the global governance system.”
Defending China’s rights and interests was also mentioned:
- “[We must] improve the mechanisms for ensuring national security in foreign-related affairs.”
Get smart: The amount of space the communique devoted to foreign affairs shows that Chinese leaders have arrived at the same conclusion as many MNCs. Namely, it’s no longer possible to separate economics from geopolitics.
- That means foreign businesses will find it increasingly difficult to navigate between competing Chinese and Western economic security regimes.
Get smarter: Global governance reform and developing world solidarity have become major themes in Beijing’s foreign policy.
- China will double down on its efforts to chip away at the developed world's “hegemony,” rankling the West in the process.