The Identity Factor in China's Foreign Policy: A Comparative Assessment of the Hu Jintao and Xi Jinping Eras
National identity is one of the fundamental factors shaping states’ foreign policy, with China serving as a prominent example of its profound influence on foreign policy decision-making. The main objective of this study is to conduct a comparative analysis of the impact of components of national identity and identity-shaping discourses on China’s foreign policy during the leadership periods of Hu Jintao and Xi Jinping.
The central research question explores how national identity and prevailing identity discourses have influenced the direction and orientation of China’s foreign policy across these two eras. The research hypothesis posits that while the core principles of China’s foreign policy have exhibited considerable continuity, shifts in identity discourses and perceptions of China’s global position have resulted in notable changes in foreign policy priorities and approaches.
The findings demonstrate that the Hu Jintao era was marked by a cautious and pragmatic approach, emphasizing economic development, multilateralism, and international cooperation. In contrast, Xi Jinping’s leadership has been characterized by a stronger emphasis on national identity, the integrated use of hard and soft power, and the pursuit of a more assertive and strategically proactive global role for China. Overall, evolving perceptions of China’s position in the international order and the growing focus on national power have been the primary drivers behind the transformation of the country’s foreign policy.
nazari,A and pourramezan,P . (2026). The Identity Factor in China's Foreign Policy: A Comparative Assessment of the Hu Jintao and Xi Jinping Eras. Central Asia and The Caucasus Journal, 32(133), 31-54. doi: 10.22034/ca.2025.2071666.1923
MLA
nazari,A , and pourramezan,P . "The Identity Factor in China's Foreign Policy: A Comparative Assessment of the Hu Jintao and Xi Jinping Eras", Central Asia and The Caucasus Journal, 32, 133, 2026, 31-54. doi: 10.22034/ca.2025.2071666.1923
HARVARD
nazari A, pourramezan P. (2026). 'The Identity Factor in China's Foreign Policy: A Comparative Assessment of the Hu Jintao and Xi Jinping Eras', Central Asia and The Caucasus Journal, 32(133), pp. 31-54. doi: 10.22034/ca.2025.2071666.1923
CHICAGO
A nazari and P pourramezan, "The Identity Factor in China's Foreign Policy: A Comparative Assessment of the Hu Jintao and Xi Jinping Eras," Central Asia and The Caucasus Journal, 32 133 (2026): 31-54, doi: 10.22034/ca.2025.2071666.1923
VANCOUVER
nazari A, pourramezan P. The Identity Factor in China's Foreign Policy: A Comparative Assessment of the Hu Jintao and Xi Jinping Eras. Central Asia and The Caucasus Journal. 2026;32(133):31-54 (In Persian). doi: 10.22034/ca.2025.2071666.1923
