The People's Republic of China is the world's most populous state and largest consumer of energy, having demonstrated momentous progress on an unprecedented scale. This global power has increasingly shaped international relations as a result of its population size, economic development and political character.

Identifying the most significant new issues and problems that have arisen from China's rapid development, this book examines the evolution of China's contemporary foreign policy and international relations. In doing so, it underlines the global importance of China's...