The Constitution of China’s Role Identity as a Responsible Major Power: Exploring International Interactions and Domestic Ethical Notions

Abstract

As a member of the international society, China, along with other state actors, international organizations, non-governmental organizations and transnational corporations, actively assumes its corresponding responsibilities. This paper explores the constitution of China’s role identity as a “responsible major power”, a significant yet relatively unexplored topic. Employing the sociological theoretical framework of identity theory, the paper transcends traditional constructivist theories and examines how expectations linked to China’s role as “responsible major power” are generated and fulfilled. This involves interactions with other international actors in international institutions and the influence of traditional domestic notions. The paper highlights that China’s behaviors align with a “responsible major power” and have effectively disseminated associated values and beliefs, albeit with varying levels of acceptance from its role partners. Moreover, China’s perception this role identity is also influenced by “Tianxia” notion.