China’s Foreign Policy

 

Shanghai Skyline

Spring 2026

Register now through Peppi or Sisu! Read more about the application process!

  • Registration period: 16.02.2026 – 08.03.2026
  • Course study period: 16.03.2026 – 31.05.2026

Language: English
Organizer: Center for East Asian Studies, University of Turku
Credits: 3 ECTS
Level: Advanced

Goals: China’s rise in world affairs is arguably one of the most significant foreign policy issues today affecting all aspects of international life. During this course participants will gain an understanding of the major directions in Chinese foreign policy and what are its distinguishing characteristics.

Contents:

This course examines the evolution of China’s foreign policy, contemporary issues, and China’s relations with Africa, Europe, the US, and the rest of Asia.

Module 1. Historical legacy and institutions

This module provides foundational knowledge about the historical legacy and evolution of China’s foreign policy. It also examines both the informal and formal context in which foreign policy is made.
Taken as: Chapters 1-5 of the textbook “China and the World” (110 pages) and a set of quizzes (pass/fail).

Module 2. Different domains of China’s global interactions

Taken as: 5 video lectures, readings, and learning diary.
Learning diary (ca 2000 words, 6 pages) based on 5 video lectures, as well as three chapters of own choice selected from these:

  • David Shambaugh: China and the World. Chapters 6-9
  • Shaun Breslin: China Risen? Chapters 3-6
Module 3. Regional focus,

Short essay (1000 words, 3 pages) on China’s relations with one region/major power, or regional multilateralism, based on one of the chapters 10-15 (Book: China and the World) and additional readings.

Grading: 0-5

Guidelines for the use of AI tools and Plagiarism (as written in Centre for East Asian Studies’ Writing and Research Guide, May 2, 2023.)

Course instructor: Niki Sopanen, doctoral researcher at the University of Helsinki
Course coordinator: Outi Luova, docent, university lecturer at the Centre for East Asian Studies, UTU,  outi.luova@utu.fi

Course textbooks:
David Shambaugh, ed.  (2020)  China and the World
Shaun Breslin (2021) China Risen?

Grading: 0-5.

Preconditions for participation: Basic knowledge about China. For example the Asia Network course “Johdatus Itä-Aasiaan” or “Introduction to Chinese Politics and Society”

Registration: Degree students from the member universities of the Finnish University Network for Asian Studies can register for this course during the registration period through their university’s own Peppi or Sisu systems. Other students can apply for non-degree self-paying study right to the University of Turku.  Read more about the application process!

This course has a maximum intake of 40 students. Students are selected in the order of application. The places are divided evenly between the member universities of the Network.

Starting the course:  On the first day of the course, you will receive a welcome message from the teacher, including a link to the course webpage.

Picture: Li Yang, under Unsplash License.