General Information » Economy » International Relations

China’s economic clout gives it plenty of political power internationally. It maintains good relations with the rest of the world, despite some sensitive issues, because of its value as a trade partner. Other countries are also keen to win the ‘approved destination’ status that will allow Chinese tourists to visit.

China and Japan have made recent efforts to improve their relations, which remain delicate because of the latter’s pre-second world war invasion (see p.4) and denial of the Rape of Nanking.

China is a member of international organisations including the UN, the International Monetary Fund and Unesco, and is one of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council. It is also a member of the G-77 coalition of developing nations and, although not a member, Chinese president Hu Jintao has addressed outreach sessions of G8 several times. China is also a member of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum (a body of Pacific Rim countries) and an observer of the Non-Aligned Movement.

It has tended to take a back seat in international affairs, but is beginning to play a more active role, particularly as peace-broker in international wrangles involving North Korea and Iran.