Parliamentary Diplomacy in the Chinese Constitution and Foreign Policy
Abstract
China’s diplomacy has a dual source of influence: China’s written constitution; and its unwritten political rules. Under this framework, China’s parliamentary diplomacy is generally considered an important part of its overall diplomatic policy. With the strengthening of the political position of the National People’s Congress ( npc ) and the reforms of its internal system, many forms of parliamentary diplomacy have been created inside the npc , such as high-level contacts and mechanisms for regular inter-parliamentary exchanges. The npc has also been actively engaging in multilateral diplomacy, including the Inter-Parliamentary Union ( ipu ), to enhance its international presence. In this process, the npc is gradually breaking away from its stereotypical role as a ‘rubber stamp’ and has partially restored its constitutional authority.