History of foreign relations of China

History of foreign relations of China covers diplomatic, military, political and economic relations in History of China from 1800 to the modern era. For the earlier period see Foreign relations of imperial China, and for the current foreign relations of China see Foreign relations of China.

During the period from 1800 to 1925, China's foreign policy was largely shaped by the country's efforts to resist Western imperialism and maintain its territorial integrity. Some of the key features of China's foreign relations in this period include:

• Unequal treaties: In the 19th century, China was forced to sign a series of unequal treaties with Great Britain, the U.S., France and other Western powers (and also Japan), which granted extraterritorial rights to foreigners and opened China's ports to foreign trade. China's foreign policy during this period was characterized by a desire to resist these treaties and regain control over its own affairs.
• Isolationism: China was largely isolated from the rest of the world during this period, with limited contact with other countries outside of its immediate neighbors. This was partly due to China's self-imposed isolationist policies, as well as the fact that Western powers had a major presence only in a few treaty ports such as Shanghai, China was engaged in several small wars with Britain, France and Japan.

China's foreign policy between 1925 and 1949 was marked by significant political upheaval and a shifting relationship with the outside world. Main points of China's foreign policy during this period:

• Anti-Imperialism: In the aftermath of the May Fourth Movement in 1919, China's foreign policy became increasingly focused on anti-imperialism and national liberation. The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) under Mao Zedong and the Nationalist government under Chiang Kai-shek both sought to resist foreign domination and establish a unified, independent China. This led to the strengthening of nationalist sentiment and the rise of anti-foreign sentiment throughout the country.
• Resistance to Japanese Aggression: Japan's invasion of China in 1937 marked a turning point in China's foreign policy. The CCP and the KMT resisted the Japanese.
• Alignment with the Soviet Union: Following Mao's establishment of the People's Republic of China in 1949, China's foreign policy became closely aligned with the Soviet Union and the Communist movement. The CCP saw the Soviet Union as a key ally in the struggle against imperialism and sought to model China's development after the Soviet Union's socialist system. This led to increased cooperation between the two countries in areas such as trade, military assistance, and ideological exchange.

Following 1949:

• China was close to the USSR at first, and fought a major war against the United States and South Korea (and the UN) in 1950–1953. However, by the 1960s China and the USSR were enemies and both were trying to build support worldwide/ while simultaneously supporting anti-colonial movements in Asia, Africa, and Latin America.
• Diplomatic Recognition: China struggled for several decades to gain recognition from the international community. In 1971, the United Nations finally recognized recognized the PRC and expelled the Republic of China (Taiwan). Since then, China has established diplomatic relations with almost all countries in the world.
• Economic Reforms and Opening-up: In the late 1970s, China embarked on a program of economic reforms and opening-up. This led to increased engagement with the global economy and the development of China as a major economic power. China sought to increase trade and investment ties with other countries, and became an active member of international economic organizations such as the World Trade Organization.
• Assertiveness and Expansion: Since 2000, China has become more assertive in its foreign policy, as it seeks to expand its influence in the world. China has sought to strengthen its military presence in the South China Sea, expand its Belt and Road Initiative, and promote Chinese values and culture globally. This has led to tensions with India and the United States.