The Hindu: Published on 4th March 2025:
Why in News?
During his visit to China in January, India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri met multiple Chinese officials, including:
Foreign Minister Wang Yi (also a Politburo member of the CPC).
Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong
Liu Jianchao, head of the International Department of the Communist Party of China (IDCPC)
These meetings highlight China’s unique foreign policy structure, where the Communist Party of China (CPC) holds ultimate authority over the government. Unlike India, where party and state are separate, China’s decision-making involves both state and party institutions working together.
Structure of China’s Foreign Policy Decision-Making-
Who Are the Key Decision-Makers in China?
At the top of China’s foreign policy apparatus are two main bodies:
(A) Politburo Standing Committee (PBSC)
The highest decision-making body in China.
It sets the overall foreign policy direction but does not handle day-to-day decisions.
(B) CPC Central Committee’s Foreign Affairs Commission (FAC)
Main body for policy coordination and decision-making.
Headed by President Xi Jinping, with Li Qiang as deputy head.
It ensures inter-departmental communication and implementation of foreign policy decisions.
The Office of the FAC, led by Wang Yi (Foreign Minister), provides agenda-setting, intelligence gathering, and recommendations for top leaders.
The Role of the CPC’s International Department (IDCPC)-
Acts as the Communist Party’s diplomatic arm, supplementing state-to-state diplomacy.
Headed by Liu Jianchao, who holds ministerial-level ranking.
Engages with political parties in 150+ countries, including India’s major political parties.
Manages party-to-party diplomacy in South Asia, enhancing CPC’s international legitimacy.
Another key CPC body in foreign influence operations is:
(A) United Front Work Department (UFWD)
Handles relations with overseas Chinese diaspora.
Oversees Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Tibet issues.
Influences global narratives about China by engaging with foreign intellectuals and media.
Does China’s Foreign Ministry Handle Diplomacy?
(A) Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA)
A government body under China’s State Council.
Headed by Foreign Minister Wang Yi.
Main function: Implements foreign policy decisions through diplomacy.
Power Hierarchy: Considered a mid-level institution, with limited autonomy in shaping policy.
Historical Context:
Once highly influential under Premier Zhou Enlai, the MFA later lost its power.
Under Xi Jinping, its stature has been increasing.
Xi directly engages with MFA officials, signaling a top-level design in foreign policy.
Other Key Foreign Policy Institutions in China-
Besides the CPC and MFA, several other organizations play a role in foreign policy:
- National Security Commission – Oversees strategic and security-related foreign policy.
- Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) – Engages in foreign relations and diplomacy.
- National People’s Congress (NPC) – China’s legislative body, influences foreign policy through laws.
Key Takeaways for India and the World-
- China’s foreign policy is led by the Communist Party (CPC), not just the government.
- The Politburo and Foreign Affairs Commission (FAC) are the top decision-makers.
- The International Department (IDCPC) manages party diplomacy, supplementing traditional diplomacy.
- The MFA is the face of China’s diplomacy but operates under party control.
- Xi Jinping has increased centralization, making foreign policy more top-down.
India and other countries engaging with China must navigate multiple power centers within the CPC, government, and security apparatus to understand China’s diplomatic strategies and policy priorities.
