China’s foreign policy 2024: strategic assertiveness and diplomatic adaptation

This article examines the evolution of China’s foreign policy in 2024, highlighting a shift toward a more calculated and assertive approach, reflecting a refinement in Beijing’s strategic direction. Building upon developments in recent years, during which China emphasized a proactive role in global security governance while cultivating its image as a responsible international actor, 2024 witnessed an evolution toward a more assertive posture. This transition included a recalibration of its diplomatic approach, marked by a departure from sharply polemical tones in favour of a more measured and strategically calculated posture aimed at defending national sovereignty, security, and development interests while expanding its influence in global affairs. This recalibrated approach was evident across key geopolitical theatres, including the Taiwan Strait, the South China Sea, and the Middle East. In the Taiwan Strait, Beijing focused on normalizing coercive practices through intensified military activities and sustained diplomatic pressure, eroding Taiwan’s autonomy while institutionalizing new operational norms. In the South China Sea, China’s coercive actions against Philippine naval and aerial assets reshaped regional security dynamics, reflecting a strategic push to consolidate its dominance and recalibrate the balance of power. In the Middle East, China’s expanding economic footprint and deepening partnerships with Gulf states have enhanced its influence over regional dynamics. However, the Gaza crisis underscored the challenges Beijing faces in balancing its growing role with the need to maintain constructive relations in a polarized environment. Meanwhile, escalating U.S.-China competition in technology, trade, and global influence further highlighted their rivalry, with Beijing leveraging economic resilience and strengthened ties with the Global South to counterbalance U.S. dominance. These developments collectively underscore China’s recalibrated foreign policy, blending strategic assertiveness with refined diplomacy to navigate an increasingly fragmented global order