Development of foreign policy concepts of the People’s Republic of China from 1949 to the beginning of the 21st century

The article deals with the topical aspects of formation and transformation of foreign policy concepts in the People’s Republic of China under the influence of various factors from the state’s founding to the beginning of the 21st century. The author discusses the influence of external and internal factors on the fundamental changes in concepts, adoption and development of foreign policy principles. The reasons for the changes in foreign policy concepts are also shown, the main, external and internal factors of influence are determined. The special role of relations with the superpowers in the formation of foreign policy is considered. The development of the foreign policy concept during the entire period of the Cold War is shown, and China’s role in this period is highlighted. Separately, the China’s attempt to get the most benefits from the confrontation between the socialist and capitalist camps is considered. The author also noted Beijing’s desire to search for its special role for the Third World countries, the gradual transition not only to an absolutely independent foreign policy, but also the awareness of the need to involve other actors of international relations in the orbit of China’s influence. In addition to analyzing the reasons for the changing concepts, their real impact on foreign policy is shown. National peculiarities of modern foreign policy of the China are described.