Harmonious Power: The Role of Confucianism in Shaping China's Foreign Policy Discourse under Xi Jinping

Abstract

This paper explores the resurgence of Confucianism as an ideational foundation for the foreign policy discourse of the People’s Republic of China since Xi Jinping’s ascent to power in 2013. Through a discourse analysis of speeches delivered by high-ranking Chinese officials at major international forums, the study assesses the relative influence of the three primary normative pillars shaping Chinese foreign policy: Marxism, economic pragmatism, and Chinese traditional thought. Special attention is given to Confucian-derived International Relations theories—moral realism, Tianxiaism, relationalism, and social symbiosis—which increasingly inform China’s foreign policy narratives. The paper also investigates the role of Chinese scholars in policymaking, suggesting a bidirectional and organic exchange of ideas between academia and government officials. The findings indicate that economic pragmatism and Confucian-inspired theories are emerging as the dominant ideational forces in China's foreign policy discourse, challenging the Western liberal normative framework and proposing an alternative global order grounded in Chinese philosophical traditions.