A New Era in the Foreign Policy of China: Concept of “Community of Common Destiny”

Abstract

This article systematically explores the origins, the content, the goal, and the foreign policy impact
of the concept of ‘community of common destiny’ that has become central to the contemporary foreign policy of
China. On the basis of the works developed by the Chinese, Western and Kazakhstani scholars on this topic, the
author alludes that the concept of ‘community of common destiny’ indicates the start of the new era in China’s
foreign policy. This research finds that this new concept made China divert from its previously dominant foreign
policy principle of “keeping a low profile” and pushed for more active foreign policy conduct. It concludes that the
active popularization of this new concept at major international events by the Chinese leadership signifies China’s
willingness to act according to its growing international clout.