The Evolution of the Chinese Communist Party’s Foreign Policy: From Revolutionary Diplomacy to Participation in Global Governance

The article examines the evolution of the foreign policy of the Communist Party of China – from revolutionary diplomacy of the early period to the institutionalized participation of the PRC in global governance. The aim of the study is to identify the logic of changing strategic priorities and to assess their significance for China’s international position. The methodology is based on historical-comparative and institutional approaches, a critical review of Russian and foreign scholarship, as well as case studies including accession to the WTO, participation in the UN, G20 and BRICS, and the development of the Belt and Road Initiative. The results show that in 1949–1978 the ideological and mobilizational model prevailed; in 1978–2012 pragmatism and economic integration dominated; and since 2012 a “great power diplomacy” has been shaping, emphasizing multilateralism and the provision of global public goods. The conclusion stresses that this evolution has strengthened China’s status and supports the transition to a more polycentric world order.