In international relations, constructivism argues that identities and interests are shaped by discursive practices rather than material structures. Alexander Wendt’s premise that “anarchy is what states make of it” and Nicholas Onuf’s rules-discourse-identity triad emphasize how states continuously reproduce their identities. Within this framework, leaders’ annual messages are more than just information sharing; they are primary tools for constructing national and international identity. President Xi Jinping’s 2026 New Year message and his speech at the Great Hall of the People on February 14, 2026, provide recent examples of this discursive construction. These texts utilize the “Year of the Horse” metaphor…
Author: Zeynep Çağla ERİN
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In the context of International Relations (IR), the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum shines as a solid example of regional integration. APEC aims to contribute to the global economy by incentivizing member economies to cooperate on trade, investment, and technology since its foundation in 1989. In theory, APEC is compatible with IR liberal theory. This theory defends that mutual economic dependence decreases conflicts and increases cooperation. However, when developments are examined within the framework of realism, it is helpful to analyze the power struggles underlying the forum, particularly the competition between China and the United States (USA).[i] The theoretical foundations…
The meeting held on 27 January 2026 at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo constitutes a significant diplomatic development symbolizing the stability of bilateral relations and China’s strategy of high-standard opening-up. Xi encouraged Finnish enterprises to enter the Chinese market in order to enhance their global competitiveness, and proposed in-depth cooperation in areas such as energy transition, the circular economy, forestry and agriculture, and science- and technology-driven innovation. This metaphor represents a classic expression of China’s post-reform economic diplomacy and reflects an inclusive attraction strategy directed toward…
The year 2016 is widely regarded as a critical turning point in China’s economic development strategy. The concept of the “new normal,” introduced by Chinese President Xi Jinping on 18 January 2016 during a working session of the Central Committee of the Communist Party, symbolized a transition—alongside structural reforms—toward a production model characterized by higher quality, greater efficiency, and structural optimization.[i] China’s new development philosophy, formalized at the Fifth Plenum in 2015, has placed the quality of economic growth at the center of the development agenda. This philosophy positions innovation as the primary driving force of growth, while employing coordination…
Central Asia has been at the focus of geopolitical and economic transformations since the dissolution of the Soviet Union. The regional countries consisting of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan have sought to diversify their relations with external actors to ensure economic stability from the onset of their independence in 1991. While Russia’s traditional hegemony has gradually eroded throughout this process, China has emerged as a rapidly rising economic power. The fact that China became Central Asia’s largest trading partner in 2025 represents the pinnacle of this transformation. In 2025, the China-Central Asia trade volume reached 106.3 billion dollars, which…
The United States’ (US) military intervention in Venezuela on January 3, 2026, resulting in the capture of Nicolás Maduro, known as Operation Absolute Resolve, marks a significant turning point in international relations. This move, aimed at consolidating the US’s hegemonic position in the Western Hemisphere as part of a reinterpretation of the Monroe Doctrine known as the “Trump Corollary,” has increased global instability.[i] Although the operation was justified on the grounds of narcotics-related terrorism charges, it has drawn widespread criticism for violating international legal norms. In this context, Canada’s rapprochement with China can be seen as a strategic initiative against the…
Artificial intelligence plays a strategic role in today’s international relations. The “AI Plus Manufacturing” action plan announced by the People’s Republic of China on January 8, 2026, aims to strengthen the country’s global leadership position by 2027 by establishing a secure and reliable supply chain in the field of AI. This plan, jointly prepared by eight ministries, emphasizes the integration of AI into the manufacturing sector, with a vision to developing new high-quality productive forces and strengthening industrialization. The objectives include implementing a large AI model, developing sector-specific models, creating 100 high-quality industrial data sets, and promoting 500 typical application…
By integrating elements of soft power with popular culture tools such as video games, China’s cultural diplomacy is reshaping its global engagement. The 2026 Global Diplomatic New Year’s Reception, held in Beijing on December 21, 2025, incorporated cultural performances with diplomatic dialogue as a reflection of this strategy.[i] However, the concept of innovation seems to lie in the role of video games as a soft power, in the digital world. Sustainable partnerships as discussed at the event highlight the potential of the gaming industry to shape the global image, with green energy projects shared with representatives from countries such as…
Chinese President Xi Jinping’s vision of justice emphasizes equality in global governance, multilateralism, and people-centered development. This vision aims particularly to address historical injustices for Global South countries and provides a concrete framework for relations with the African continent. Xi’s Global Governance Initiative (GGI), proposed in 2025, advocates for sovereign equality and an order based on international law, defending Africa’s right to development.[i] [ii] China-Africa relations reached their peak at the 2024 FOCAC Summit, where Xi emphasized a shared path of modernization with Africa. By 2025, China had diversified its investments in Africa and achieved record participation under the Belt and…
The year 2025 has gone down in history as a period in which geopolitical tensions reached a peak and the global economy struggled to recover. The prolonged Russia–Ukraine War, the spread of conflicts in the Middle East, and the deepening climate crisis have once again reminded the international community of the need for stability, responsibility, and fair global governance. In this atmosphere of uncertainty, China has stood out by encouraging coordination among major powers, increasing constructive engagement, and promoting a framework of peaceful coexistence. China’s foreign policy moves in 2025 strengthened the liberal international relations framework, especially Neoliberal Institutionalism (Robert…