China’s transformation from an isolated socialist state into an emerging world power has been directly linked to in its foreign policy strategy. This article attempts to the shift in Chinese foreign policy from Deng Xiaoping’s era of strategic restraint to Xi Jinping’s pursuit of proactive geoeconomic statecraft. Using the frameworks of Neoclassical Realism, Geoeconomics, Economic Statecraft, and Constructivism, the study argues that China’s foreign policy transformation reflects the interaction between rising material capabilities, changing global power structures, and the pursuit of national rejuvenation. While Deng’s taoguang yanghui strategy emphasised economic modernisation, stability, and global integration, subsequent leaders expanded China’s international engagement through multilateralism and peaceful development. Under Xi Jinping, initiatives such as the “Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), AIIB, and NDB” demonstrate the growing role of economic instruments in advancing strategic interests. The article argues that Xi’s foreign policy represents an adaptive evolution rather than a complete departure from Deng’s vision, marking China’s transition from a reactive actor to an active shaper of global governance and international order
China's Foreign Policy, Deng Xiaoping, Xi Jinping, Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), Geoeconomic Statecraft.
Prakash R. China's Foreign Policy Transformation: Assessing Chinese Characteristics from Deng Xiaoping to Xi Jinping. Indian Journal of Modern Research and Reviews. 2025; 3(9):177-182
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