Xi Jinping’s “New Model of Major Power Relationships” for Sino-American Relations

This article examines, through the theoretical framework of realism, China’s articulation and implementation of its new model of major power relationships (NMMPR), its rationale, objectives and the strategies involved. The study will concentrate on the model’s application to Sino-American relations, though it will also briefly survey its application to China’s relations with other major powers. The Chinese leadership’s assessment of the global power configuration and its trends of evolution will be considered. The articulation of the NMMPR also reflects new variables in Chinese foreign policy and Sino-US relations. They include Xi Jinping’s distinctive leadership style, the arrival of a less favourable international environment, the concern about potential deterioration in Sino-US relations, and the increasing inclination of China’s neighbours to adopt a hedging strategy, including the strengthening of security co-operation with the US.