However, the CCP has generally demonstrated a commitment to the current course of pragmatism and rationality when conducting foreign policy. For example, after Hu Jintao’s tumultuous 2006 visit to the United States in which Hu was incorrectly announced as the President of the Republic of China and a Falun Gong protestor managed to disrupt Hu’s speech, the CCP further restricted the media and quickly squelched any online discussions on the subject. This quick reaction by the CCP allowed the issue to be settled diplomatically, and provocative protests similar to those that followed the Belgrade bombing were avoided. Efforts made by the CCP to control the flow of information on sensitive issues may seem tyrannical, but it is much too easy to forget that the Chinese populace is more nationalistic and reacts more emotionally than the CCP.

Conclusion

With the exception of extreme threats, such as Taiwanese antagonism, it is unlikely that the Chinese government will stray from its path of cooperation and accommodation. If Chinese relationships with the rest of the world diminish, the Chinese economy could diverge from its current economic trajectory of growth and stability. This, in turn, would unleash the restless and dispossessed workers, peasants, and students onto the central government. Thus, the CCP has and will continue to do what it can to ensure that there is both regional and global stability. Increased diplomacy and communication with neighbors through multilateral organizations will help to placate fears of an aggressive and expansionist China, while a conciliatory attitude toward territorial disputes shows that China values stable and cordial relations. Chinese foreign policy has proven to be extremely constructive and pragmatic and will continue to be so as long as growth is heavily dependent on foreign trade and investment. A stable, peaceful, and pragmatic China benefits the whole world, but, the “peaceful rise” of China faces many difficult challenges ahead as it struggles to balance the demands of an ever more nationalistic populace with the need to maintain rational foreign policies.