Chinese culture greatly influence its Foreign Policy essay

It is a well-known fact that cultures of different countries may influence the countries’ foreign policies, and Chinese culture is not an exception. Moreover, it can be even noted that traditional Chinese values ​​have a strong influence on China’s Foreign Policy. For instance, let us explore the fact that the concept of harmony plays an important role in Chinese society and, consequently, has an impact on the foreign policy of the country. It is the truth that this concept represents a complete system, including the first three aspects: outlook and methodology, for example, the philosophy of Tai Chi, the dialectic of yin and yang; a system of values​​, which includes the central concept of harmony, social life, the concept of beneficence, justice, courtesy, wisdom, honesty, devotion and respectfulness to the parents; common goal, such as the harmony of man and nature, man and society, as well as the harmony of society where live people with different characters (Kim, 1984).

To add, the main characteristics of harmony in foreign policy are self-improvement (in the direction of progress) and the self (the tendency to independence and the protection of national interests); generosity and tolerance (avoidance of control over other states); harmony and diversity (the idea of ​​diversity requires two conditions: the balance and violence); modesty (this concept suggests that large countries should show a kind of respect to small countries and realize their policies in modest way); flexibility and wisdom (the state must protect its national interests, rather than attempting to dominate). To illustrate these characteristics, we can say that they were reflected in the agreement between India and China, “Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence,” concluded in 1954, and also mentioned in the speeches of former presidents of China.