The Influence Of Public Opinion For China's Diplomacy

What is the influence of public opinion upon diplomatic capability, efficiencyand decision-making? Academia and foreign policy community have been involved inthe weighty issue for a very long period. Yet, the research available centers on U.S.and those which keep watchful eyes on China concentrate on domestic public opinionand its impact upon diplomacy. This thesis, grounded on existing archives, exploresthe momentum of public opinion domestically and internationally towards China’sdiplomacy. In history of international relations, the power of public opinion hasundergone weaker to stronger treatment. With Communicative Action Theoryproposed by Habermas, both positive and adverse impacts are demonstrated.Specifically, the positive impact of domestic public opinion upon China’sdiplomacy refers to resource and identity while the adverse side emerges to hinderinternational economic cooperation and restrain diplomatic space; the positive impactof international public opinion upon China’s diplomacy is embodied in transparency,openness and coping capacity as well as value on historic bilateral relations andsignificance of summit diplomacy while the adverse side emerges to impair nationalimage, curtail diplomatic efficiency and damage economic interest.Public opinion poses great potential influence to China’s diplomacy. Yet, anyexcessive emphasis deserves cautious attention. In order to enhance capacity,efficiency and decision-making of China’s diplomacy, timely information publication,social forces mobilization and public diplomacy execution are imperative to beadopted.The study of public opinion aims to creating a relatively favorable environmentfor national development and Peaceful Rise.