[ Qualifier ]

Pragmatic

China presents its policy as pragmatic (or practical) and results-oriented, both at home and abroad. Domestically, the Party claims to deliver efficient progress by prioritizing practical solutions over ideological debates, despite ongoing campaigns to ensure that cadres and citizens adhere to CCP doctrine and support Xi Jinping’s policy visions.

In its diplomacy (especially with liberal democracies), China promotes pragmatism as a focus on shared interests such as trade, scientific exchange, and global challenges, while setting aside contentious issues such as human rights, security concerns or geopolitical competition. The implicit message is that failure to “properly handle” these differences will damage the relationship and cause economic harm.

Towards the Global South, China frames itself as a pragmatic actor offering “win-win” economic cooperation and access to global public goods without political conditions (in contrast to Western conditionality). China promises non-interference in domestic affairs, though it criticises pushback against its interests – such as trade barriers – as ideologically motivated.

Key Examples

“Facing new situations and new tasks, Party members and cadres must keep the bigger national aspirations in mind […], take a practical work approach and seek tangible results through concrete actions. Only by taking on their duties for the Party and the people with a strong sense of responsibility […] and struggling tenaciously to advance our cause, can they make their due contributions to building a strong country and national rejuvenation.” — People’s Daily Editorial from September 30, 2023
“The historical and cultural backgrounds and values of China and the EU are different, but differences should not be seen as reasons to view each other as adversaries, nor should disagreements lead to confrontation. […] The two sides should respect and learn from each other, pursue common development and progress, and make new contributions to human civilisation. The Chinese side hopes that the EU will truly develop an objective and rational understanding of China and pursue a more positive and pragmatic policy toward China.” — China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi at China-EU High-level Strategic Dialogue on July 3, 2025
“China and Africa trust each other and China-Africa friendship is rock-solid. China is committed to consolidating China-Africa political mutual trust, expanding pragmatic cooperation with Africa in various areas, and extending its help to boost peace and development in the continent.” — Official white paper on “China and Africa in the New Era: A Partnership of Equals” released by the PRC State Council, November 26, 2021