wàijiāo zhèngcè: 外交政策 - Foreign Policy

• Keywords: waijiao zhengce, wàijiāo zhèngcè, 外交政策, Chinese foreign policy, China's foreign policy, diplomacy in Chinese, international relations, China's diplomacy, foreign policy meaning
• Summary: 外交政策 (wàijiāo zhèngcè) is the formal Chinese term for “foreign policy.” This page explores its meaning, cultural significance, and practical usage. Learn how this crucial term reflects China's approach to international relations, its core principles like non-interference, and how it is used in news, official statements, and academic discussions about China's role on the global stage.

• Pinyin (with tone marks): wàijiāo zhèngcè
• Part of Speech: Noun
• HSK Level: HSK 6
• Concise Definition: A government's strategy and principles for dealing with other nations; foreign policy.
• In a Nutshell: This is the direct and formal equivalent of the English term “foreign policy.” It's a compound word that combines “diplomacy” and “policy.” You will encounter it constantly when reading or listening to Chinese news, political analysis, or discussions about international affairs. It refers to the high-level, official stance and strategic direction a country takes in its relationships with the rest of the world.

• 外 (wài): Outside, external, foreign. This character is straightforward and often refers to anything outside of one's own group, area, or country.
• 交 (jiāo): To interact, to associate, to hand over, to cross. It implies a connection or relationship between two or more parties.
• 政 (zhèng): Government, politics, political affairs. This character is fundamental to concepts related to governance.
• 策 (cè): Plan, strategy, policy. It originally referred to bamboo slips used for writing, which evolved to mean the plans or strategies written on them.

When combined, `外交 (wàijiāo)` literally means “external interaction,” the perfect word for diplomacy or foreign relations. `政策 (zhèngcè)` means “political strategy” or policy. Putting them together, 外交政策 (wàijiāo zhèngcè) logically and precisely means “the political strategy for external interactions”—foreign policy.

In China, 外交政策 is not just a set of actions but is often framed by overarching principles that reflect deep-seated cultural and historical values. A key principle frequently cited is the 独立自主的和平外交政策 (dúlì zìzhǔ de hépíng wàijiāo zhèngcè), or the “Independent Foreign Policy of Peace.” A major point of contrast with some Western foreign policy traditions is the emphasis on 不干涉内政 (bù gānshè nèizhèng)—non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries. This principle is rooted in China's own “Century of Humiliation” (百年国耻 bǎinián guóchǐ), when foreign powers frequently intervened in its domestic matters. As a result, respecting national sovereignty (主权 zhǔquán) is a cornerstone of its stated foreign policy. While Western foreign policy might be discussed in terms of alliances, deterrence, and sometimes intervention, Chinese discourse on its 外交政策 often highlights concepts like 合作共赢 (hézuò gòngyíng), or “win-win cooperation,” and building a “community with a shared future for mankind” (人类命运共同体 rénlèi mìngyùn gòngtóngtǐ). This reflects a preference for economic and developmental partnerships over military alliances, presenting a different model for international relations.

外交政策 is a formal and official term. You will almost exclusively encounter it in the following contexts:

• News and Media: In news reports from official state media like CCTV or Xinhua when discussing government actions, international summits, or relations with other countries.
• Government Statements: In official documents, press conferences by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and speeches by national leaders.
• Academic Discussions: In university lectures, textbooks, and academic papers on political science and international relations.

It is not a term used in casual, everyday conversation. You wouldn't use it to talk about your personal “policy” on something. Its connotation is neutral and descriptive. It is almost always used in a serious, formal tone.

• Example 1:
  • 中国的外交政策是什么？
  • Pinyin: Zhōngguó de wàijiāo zhèngcè shì shénme?
  • English: What is China's foreign policy?
  • Analysis: A basic and direct question. Notice the use of `的 (de)` to show possession.
• Example 2:
  • 他们的外交政策旨在促进地区稳定。
  • Pinyin: Tāmen de wàijiāo zhèngcè zhǐ zài cùjìn dìqū wěndìng.
  • English: Their foreign policy aims to promote regional stability.
  • Analysis: This sentence shows how to describe the goal or purpose of a foreign policy, using the formal phrase `旨在 (zhǐ zài)`.
• Example 3:
  • 这位总统宣布了新的外交政策。
  • Pinyin: Zhè wèi zǒngtǒng xuānbù le xīn de wàijiāo zhèngcè.
  • English: This president announced a new foreign policy.
  • Analysis: A common collocation. Policies are often `宣布 (xuānbù)` or “announced.”
• Example 4:
  • 许多专家正在分析美国外交政策的转变。
  • Pinyin: Xǔduō zhuānjiā zhèngzài fēnxī Měiguó wàijiāo zhèngcè de zhuǎnbiàn.
  • English: Many experts are analyzing the shift in American foreign policy.
  • Analysis: This shows the term used in an analytical or academic context. `转变 (zhuǎnbiàn)` means “shift” or “change.”
• Example 5:
  • 一个国家的经济实力会影响其外交政策。
  • Pinyin: Yī ge guójiā de jīngjì shílì huì yǐngxiǎng qí wàijiāo zhèngcè.
  • English: A country's economic strength can influence its foreign policy.
  • Analysis: This sentence connects foreign policy to other factors, like economic strength (`经济实力 jīngjì shílì`).
• Example 6:
  • 我们需要一个更灵活的外交政策来应对当前的挑战。
  • Pinyin: Wǒmen xūyào yī ge gèng línghuó de wàijiāo zhèngcè lái yìngduì dāngqián de tiǎozhàn.
  • English: We need a more flexible foreign policy to respond to current challenges.
  • Analysis: Here, an adjective `灵活 (línghuó)`, meaning “flexible,” is used to describe the policy.
• Example 7:
  • 中国奉行独立自主的和平外交政策。
  • Pinyin: Zhōngguó fèngxíng dúlì zìzhǔ de hépíng wàijiāo zhèngcè.
  • English: China pursues an independent foreign policy of peace.
  • Analysis: This is an extremely common official phrase. `奉行 (fèngxíng)` is a formal verb meaning “to pursue” or “to follow” (a policy or belief).
• Example 8:
  • 记者向外交部发言人提出了关于外交政策的问题。
  • Pinyin: Jìzhě xiàng wàijiāobù fāyánrén tíchū le guānyú wàijiāo zhèngcè de wèntí.
  • English: The journalist raised a question about foreign policy to the Foreign Ministry spokesperson.
  • Analysis: This illustrates a typical context: a press conference with a `外交部发言人 (wàijiāobù fāyánrén)`, or Foreign Ministry spokesperson.
• Example 9:
  • 该国的外交政策一直保持中立。
  • Pinyin: Gāi guó de wàijiāo zhèngcè yīzhí bǎochí zhōnglì.
  • English: That country's foreign policy has always remained neutral.
  • Analysis: `保持中立 (bǎochí zhōnglì)` means “to remain neutral,” a common descriptor for the foreign policies of countries like Switzerland.
• Example 10:
  • 两国在外交政策上存在根本分歧。
  • Pinyin: Liǎng guó zài wàijiāo zhèngcè shàng cúnzài gēnběn fēnqí.
  • English: The two countries have fundamental differences in their foreign policies.
  • Analysis: This shows how to talk about disagreement. `存在分歧 (cúnzài fēnqí)` means “differences exist.”

• Formality is Key: The most common mistake is using 外交政策 in an informal context. You would never say, “My personal 外交政策 is to be nice to everyone.” For general “policy” or “guidelines,” you would use words like `原则 (yuánzé)` (principle) or `方针 (fāngzhēn)` (guideline).
• Not Just “Diplomacy”: Don't confuse 外交政策 (the strategy) with 外交 (wàijiāo) (the practice). `外交 (wàijiāo)` refers to the act of diplomacy, foreign relations, or the entire field. `外交政策 (wàijiāo zhèngcè)` is the specific plan or set of principles guiding that activity.
  • *Correct:* 他在从事外交工作。(Tā zài cóngshì wàijiāo gōngzuò.) - He is engaged in diplomatic work.
  • *Incorrect:* 他在从事外交政策工作。 (This sounds awkward, as if he single-handedly embodies the entire policy).
• General vs. Specific: Remember that `政策 (zhèngcè)` by itself means “policy” in general (e.g., `经济政策 jīngjì zhèngcè` - economic policy). 外交政策 is specifically about foreign relations.

• 外交 (wàijiāo) - Diplomacy; foreign affairs. The general field of activity that foreign policy guides.
• 政策 (zhèngcè) - Policy. The general term, of which foreign policy is a specific type.
• 国际关系 (guójì guānxì) - International Relations. The broader academic and practical field where foreign policies interact.
• 主权 (zhǔquán) - Sovereignty. A core principle underpinning China's foreign policy.
• 不干涉内政 (bù gānshè nèizhèng) - Non-interference in internal affairs. A cornerstone principle of China's foreign policy.
• 和平共处五项原则 (hépíng gòngchǔ wǔ xiàng yuánzé) - The Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence. The historical foundation of the PRC's foreign policy.
• 一带一路 (yīdài yīlù) - The Belt and Road Initiative. A landmark contemporary foreign policy initiative of China.
• 共赢 (gòngyíng) - Win-win / Mutual benefit. A frequently stated goal and philosophy within Chinese foreign policy discourse.
• 外交官 (wàijiāoguān) - Diplomat. The professional who implements foreign policy.
• 地缘政治 (dìyuán zhèngzhì) - Geopolitics. The study of how geography affects politics and international relations, a key factor in shaping foreign policy.