Historical Evolution and Contemporary Insights: The Diplomatic Relations between China and Portuguese-speaking Countries in the 20th Century

Ming Wen; Yinan Wang

doi:10.54691/xh7gvv26

Authors

Ming Wen
Yinan Wang

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54691/xh7gvv26

Keywords:

China–Portuguese-speaking Countries; Historical Evolution; Multilateral Diplomacy; Forum Macao; Belt and Road Initiative.

Abstract

This study investigates the evolution of China’s diplomatic relations with Portuguese-speaking countries (PSCs) throughout the 20th century. It traces the transition from symbolic and low-profile interactions during the late Qing and early Republican periods, through cautious wartime diplomacy, to the establishment of bilateral and multilateral cooperation frameworks in the post-Cold War era. Relying on historical document analysis and comparative historical methods, the study identifies the key drivers, strategies, and implications of Sino-Lusophone relations. The findings highlight how the historical trajectory of China–PSC relations offers practical lessons for contemporary initiatives such as the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and South–South cooperation.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

References

[1] Zeng Xiangming and Huang Xinghua. "Historical Review and Practical Challenges of our country's cultural diplomacy with Portuguese-speaking countries since the founding of the People's Republic of China." Journal of Wuxi Institute of Commerce, vol. 13, no. 3, 2013. (in Chinese)

[2] Chen Pengqin and Meng Jingwen. "Research on the Development and Characteristics of China-Portuguese-speaking Countries Trade under the Framework of Forum Macao - and on Multilateral Cooperation between China and Portuguese-speaking Countries on the Belt and Road" Economic Research in Northeast Asia, vol. 7, no. 04, 2023, pp. 105-120. (in Chinese)

[3] Li Baozhen. "Alliance-Non-Alignment-Partnership: The Transmutation of the Contemporary Chinese Relationship Model of Great Powers." Journal of Zhengzhou University: Philosophy and Social Science, Vol. 42, No. 2, 2009, pp. 38-44. (in Chinese)

[4] Li Weixiang. "A Historical Review of the Portuguese Invasion of Macau." Journal of Northeast Normal University (Philosophy and Social Science), No. 6, 1999, pp. 54-59. (in Chinese)

[5] Lou Shenghua. "The Prosperity and Turning Point of the Macao Salvation and Relief Association from 1931 to 1945." Archives of the Republic of China, no. 1, 2007, pp. 68-74. (in Chinese)

[6] LÜ Yiran. "Portugal forcibly occupied Macau and the Qing government refused to ratify the Sino-Portuguese Reconciliation and Trade Treaty." Chinese Frontier History and Geography Studies, No. 2, 1999, pp. 66-82. (in Chinese)

[7] Niu Jusheng. "One Country, Two Systems" Macao Model and the Construction of Harmonious International Relations - Commemorating the 10th Anniversary of Macao's Return to the Motherland Journal of Soochow University: Philosophy and Social Science, No. 5, 2009, pp. 21-24. (in Chinese)

[8] Qu Guanglong. "In the early days of the founding of the People's Republic of China, "one-sided" foreign policy research Legal System and Society: Periodical, No. 12, 2012, pp. 153-154. (in Chinese)

[9] Wan Caixin. "The establishment of the "one-sided" diplomatic strategy of New China and its practical effect" Socialist Studies, vol. 2, 2012(in Chinese)

[10] Wang Zhiwei and Guo Yuanfang. "Examining the Three Dimensions of the Special Aspects of Macao's Neutrality Policy during the Anti-Japanese War." Journal of Guangzhou Socialist University, No. 4, 2022, pp. 88-94. (in Chinese)

[11] Wei Ziqing and Xu Zhiming. "The Development History, Characteristics and Problems of China-Brazil Relations." Journal of Dalian Maritime University: Social Sciences Edition, Vol. 12, No. 4, 2013, pp. 88-91. (in Chinese)

[12] Yang Yongzhen. "A Review of Macau's Portuguese Colonial Rule" Journal of Carey College, vol. 23, no. 5, 1999, pp. 5-6. (in Chinese)

[13] ZHANG Min. "New Opportunities in the Macao Special Administrative Region and Prospects for China-Portuguese Economic and Trade Cooperation." Overseas Investment and Export Credit, 2021. (in Chinese)

[14] Zhou Zhiwei. "China-Brazil Relations: From a Model of South-South Cooperation to Great Power Relations." Fudan International Relations Review, No. 1, 2012, pp. 206-223. (in Chinese)

[15] Chang, Jaw-ling Joanne. "Settlement of the Macao Issue: Distinctive Features of Beijing's Negotiating Behavior." Case W. Res. J. Int'l L., vol. 20, 1988, p. 253.

[16] De Oliveira Amado Mendes, Carmen Isabel. "Portugal and the Settlement of the Macau Question, 1984-1999: Pragmatism in International Negotiations." SOAS University of London, 2004.

[17] Lopes, Helena FS. "Inter-Imperial Humanitarianism: The Macau Delegation of the Portuguese Red Cross during the Second World War." The Journal of Imperial and Commonwealth History, vol. 46, no. 6, 2018, pp. 1125-47.

[18] Moody, Andrew J and Andrew J Moody. "Language in Higher Education: Local Needs and Global Desires." Macau’s Languages in Society and Education: Planning in a Multilingual Ecology, 2021, pp. 221-58.

[19] Sáringer, János. "La Question De La Neutralité Portugaise 1939-1945." Acta Hispanica, vol. 8, 2003, pp. 85-87.

[20] Si, Leung Cheok and Ansoumane Douty Diakite. "An Exploratory Study of Macao's Role as an Arbitration Seat and Venue for Sino-Luso Commercial Disputes." Revista Opinião Jurídica (Fortaleza), vol. 21, no. 36, 2023, pp. 181-204.

[21] Xavier, Aurobindo. "Nova Ordem Mundial: Oportunidades E Desafios Para a Lusofonia." Intelligere, no. 15, 2023, pp. 334-374.