Chapter Overview
China is the world’s largest country by population, being the home to over a billion people. It is a nation filled with ancient tradition, innovation and powerful economics. This makes China a very influential player in the field of international politics and therefore knowledge of China’s past and current foreign policies is critical to understanding various global issues. Over the years, China’s proximity to a variety of neighboring countries has influenced and at times prohibited its success. It has constantly been at odds with neighboring countries like Japan, Taiwan, India, Tibet and the Philippines. These rivaling neighbors have pushed and pulled at China, helping to shape it to the country it is today. China has also been historically torn between ideologies, shown through the rivaling rulers of China and its ever changing allies. This has led to shaky relations between other major powers such as Russia and the US. Although China has experienced failure and at times, brutal conflict, its resilience and ultimate ability to grow in the face of adversity has allowed it to become, today, one of the most powerful nations on Earth.