Abstract

This paper examines the evolution of China's and especially its top leaders' vision and practice of the democratization of international relations since the founding of the People's Republic of China. It argues that China's vision of the democratization of international relations contains at least four dimensions: politics, economics, security, and culture, whreras sovereignty independence and national dignity is the precondition, peaceful co-existence and consulation on an equal footing is the main vehicle, anti-hegemony and anti-power politics is the most outstanding feature, and the construction of a new international order and a harmonious world is its ultimate goal. The paper points out that during the past six decades, China's vision of and practice in the democratization of international relations has contributed greatly to the democratization and equalization of international relations.