The New Chinese Doctrine of Non-Intervention

Abstract China frequently accuses Western governments of interfering in its domestic affairs. International lawyers might be inclined to dismiss these accusations as cynical misrepresentations of the doctrine of non-intervention. This article questions that view, drawing on Chinese State practice and recent Chinese literature. It argues that China propagates a new and distinctive approach to the doctrine of non-intervention, by which the doctrine changes depending on who is interfering with whom, in what context and for what purpose. This approach could also be increasingly useful to Western governments who seek to challenge pernicious forms of foreign influence over liberal democratic processes. Hence, Chinese and non-Chinese approaches to non-intervention might converge. This approach arguably reflects the concerns that originally animated the doctrine and is in line with ideas that have been advocated for by non-aligned States for at least 70 years. Whether this is a desirable development is another question. The article concludes with a critique of the new doctrine of non-intervention.