China’s foreign-related ‘Rule of Law’: the evolution of an idea

In this paper we first review the emergence of the notion ‘foreign-related RoL’ and its elevation to the status of a national development strategy, focusing on the fluid nature of this notion and its shifting focus. This is followed by an analysis of its intended functions and roles in international affairs in the context of the existing and developing ‘foreign-related’ legal framework, the development of which has been partially propelled by the superpower rivalries and geopolitical contentions in the world today. It is hoped that a nuanced understanding of the notion of, and the development of the legal framework for, the ‘foreign-related RoL’ could significantly enhance our understanding of China’s handling of foreign-related issues and China’s conduct in global affairs. Further, it is also hoped that ‘foreign-related RoL’ will provide a means to hold China accountable to its conduct in international relations.