China's Approach to International Law

Chen, Ge; Du, Ming

Abstract

China is increasingly regarded as a revisionist power seeking to reshape contemporary international law and global governance. This development is unsurprising, as there are few historical parallels of a rising great power operating within a normative framework not of its own creation without prompting substantial change. This chapter examines China’s evolving approach to international law, with particular focus on its complex perspectives and practices in Xi Jinping’s new era. It addresses key questions: How consistent or adaptable is China’s approach over time? How distinctive is China’s approach compared to other major powers? What discrepancies exist between China’s policy pronouncements and its behaviour? What domestic and external factors influence China’s engagement with international law? Finally, how does the rise of China impact the international legal order?

Citation

Chen, G., & Du, M. China's Approach to International Law. In R. Schütze, & M. Siems (Eds.), Comparative International Law: Foundations and Critique. Hart Publishing

• Deposit Date: Apr 10, 2025
• Publisher: Hart Publishing
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Book Title: Comparative International Law: Foundations and Critique
• Public URL: https://durham-repository.worktribe.com/output/3785353
• Publisher URL: https://www.bloomsbury.com/uk/comparative-international-law-9781509972395/
• Contract Date: Jan 29, 2025