China’s economic dynamism and rising international influence constitute one of the most important elements of international relations in the early 21st century. Frank Frost provides a survey of major issues in China’s foreign relations, with a special emphasis on China’s relations with and role in East Asia.

After a brief overview of economic developments and political issues, the paper discusses China’s overall approaches in foreign policy and its relations with the United States, Japan, the Korean Peninsula, Southeast Asia and the Southwest Pacific. The paper’s final section reviews issues and challenges in Australia’s relations with China.