How China’s Communist Party Controls Foreign Policy

Source: The post How China’s Communist Party Controls Foreign Policy has been created, based on the article “How is China’s foreign policy structured?” published in “The Hindu” on 4th March 2025.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper2-International Relations-Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.

Context: The article explains how China’s foreign policy is controlled by the Communist Party (CPC). The top decision-makers are the Politburo Standing Committee and the Foreign Affairs Commission, led by President Xi Jinping. The International Liaison Department handles party-to-party diplomacy, while the Foreign Ministry manages state-to-state relations, following the party’s directives.

For detailed information on Global Impacts of China’s European Strategy and India’s Foreign Policy read this article here

Who makes the key decisions in China’s foreign policy?

1. The Politburo Standing Committee (PBSC) is at the top of all political decision-making in China, setting overall policy direction.
2. The CPC Central Committee’s Foreign Affairs Commission (FAC) is responsible for policy coordination and decision-making. It is led by President Xi Jinping as head and Li Qiang as deputy.
3. Wang Yi heads the Office of the FAC, which handles agenda setting, gathering information from line agencies, and making recommendations.
4. The International Liaison Department (IDCPC), led by Liu Jianchao, manages the CPC’s diplomatic outreach to political parties in more than 150 countries to boost CPC’s international legitimacy.
5. The United Front Work Department (UFWD), led by Shi Taifeng, manages relations with overseas Chinese, Hong Kong, and Taiwan, and influences narratives about ethnic minorities in Tibet and Xinjiang.

What role does the International Liaison Department play?

1. The International Liaison Department of the CPC (IDCPC) handles the CPC’s diplomatic outreach.
2. It connects with political parties in over 150 countries to boost the CPC’s international legitimacy.
3. IDCPC is led by Liu Jianchao, a former diplomat and spokesperson.
4. It operates through regional bureaus like ‘South and Southeast Asian Affairs.’
5. IDCPC has hosted delegations from major Indian political parties.
6. Its work complements state-to-state diplomacy and enhances China’s influence globally.
7. IDCPC’s head holds a rank equal to state council ministers but outranks them in party hierarchy.

How does the United Front Work Department influence foreign policy?

1. The United Front Work Department (UFWD) is led by Politburo member Shi Taifeng.
2. It manages relations with the overseas Chinese diaspora and oversees Hong Kong and Taiwan affairs.
3. The UFWD controls narratives about ethnic minorities in Tibet and Xinjiang.
4. It seeks to influence international views on China by engaging with intellectuals abroad.
5. This approach helps the CPC expand its influence and legitimacy globally.
6. The UFWD’s activities show how the CPC integrates foreign and domestic policy strategies.

What is the role of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA)?

1. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) is a governmental body under the state council, responsible for implementing China’s foreign policy.
2. It is led by the Foreign Minister, whose influence in the party hierarchy has varied over time.
3. In the past, it was headed by Premier Zhou Enlai, but its power later declined.
4. MFA communicates China’s positions on foreign policy, security, and domestic politics through statements and press releases.
5. Xi Jinping has increased the MFA’s stature by regularly instructing its officials directly, showing a ‘top-level design’ in foreign policy.

What other bodies contribute to China’s foreign policy?

Other influential bodies include the National Security Commission, the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, and the National People’s Congress. They have diplomatic roles and align with CPC directives. This multi-level foreign policy setup requires careful attention from Indian policymakers.

Question for practice:

Examine how the Communist Party of China (CPC) integrates various departments and bodies to execute its foreign policy effectively.