ABSTRACT

From the 1950s to the 1970s, China was “a socialist country” and “a national independent country” whose diplomatic task was mainly to safeguard national sovereignty, win international recognition, and support national liberation movements and just struggles in other Asian and African countries. 1 At that time, by supporting the independence and development of the Third World, China could not only fend off the growing diplomatic isolation, but also mobilise as many international forces as possible to fight against imperialism and hegemonism, reflecting a high degree of unity of patriotism (self-interest) and internationalism (international obligations). 2 Thanks to the joint efforts of China and Asian and African countries, Asian-African nations had successively gained political independence and effectively safeguarded their national sovereignty. This has markedly enhanced the overall position of the Third World in the international system on the basis of South–South Cooperation.