‘Panda Diplomacy’: State Environmentalism, International Relations and Chinese Foreign Policy

　

Jonathan Harrington

　

Abstract

　

        China is one of the most important actors in international environmental affairs, and arguably the most important actor in Asia. In Chapter 7, Jonathan Harrington continues our examination of how it confronts environmental change. He is particularly interested in explaining the role of ‘state environmentalism’ and the use of environmental issues by senior Chinese leaders to bolster and legitimize their regime. Among other things, Harrington asserts that following the bloody 1989 Tiananmen incident the Chinese leadership sought new ways of boosting its image, both domestically and internationally. The leadership latched on to a ‘safe’ and symbolic issue that had both domestic and international appeal – namely, expanding participation in global eco-politics – one that it could use to claw its way out of diplomatic isolation. But attention to environmental issues took on a life of its own in China, showing how environmental diplomacy for other reasons can, nevertheless, lead to environmental protection efforts at the national level.