External policymaking under Hu Jintao - Multiple players and emerging leadership

Abstract

China's new leadership emerged after the Sixteenth Party Congress in 2002 and was formally established on Hu Jintao's assumption of the chairmanship of the Central Military Commission in September 2004. This article examines the changes and continuity in foreign policy/making under Hu. It highlights three prominent features in external policymaking. First, Hu has become the most influential leader over external policies, as reflected in his leading posts in most key organs in charge of external policymaking. Second, Hu has demonstrated his own style of external policies-a greater emphasis on proactive and pragmatic diplomacy and on formal institutions in policymaking. Third, the process of external policymaking continues to involve multiple players, ranging from the Politburo, leading small groups, national ministries, think tanks, and public opinion. This article examines the new Politburo, its Standing Committee, the line-ups of leading small groups supervising foreign policies, and relevant ministries. The article discusses the respective roles of Hu and Wen Jiabao, as well as think tanks, advisers, and public opinion. It also explores Hu's style of decision-making and external policies. ©Institute of International Relations.