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China has developed a multi-tier strategy in its human rights diplomacy. It has three aspects: in the multilateral international human rights arena, China's approach is dominated by the sovereignty principle and organising like-minded countries into a coalition; in bilateral diplomatic channels, China follows a combined policy of dialogue, negotiation, bargaining and supplementary economic incentives; and on certain international human rights issues such as in the case of Darfur, China mainly applies ad hoc and flexible policies. The core of China's approach is to protect its sovereignty as it continues to insist that human rights are a domestic matter. However, it is becoming increasingly difficult to maintain this rigid position. China must adjust its practice to conform to the international norms. (CIJ/GIGA)

Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps (Xinjiang Shengchan Jianshe Bingtuan-shortened form Bingtuan) is a distinctive military agricultural settlement and production institution in China's western region, Xinjiang. It is also a modern form of China's traditional ethnic frontier governing mechanism. This article discusses Bingtuan's historical precedents, modern development and innovative change for Xinjiang governance. In an examination of Bingtuan's main functions for China's ethnic frontier governance, this article argues that in addition to economic sustainability and territorial security, Bingtuan played an important but multifaceted role in ethnic relations in Xinjiang, such as territorial fragmentation, ethnic separation and redefinition of regional identity; therefore Bingtuan not only makes its administrated area China's 'frontier of settlement' but also acts as a key state agency for whatever future Xinjiang might have. (J Contemp China/GIGA)

As a multinational state, China's ethnic minority issue (e.g. Tibet and Xinjiang) is always a large political concern. China often treats this issue exclusively as a sovereignty matter and refutes outside criticism. What is the viable explanation of China's position? Is China's behavior consistent with the global norms and international law, especially the principle of national self-determination? This paper addresses these questions through an examination of China's ethnic minority issues in the context of foreign policy and international relations. (pac Rev/DÜI)

A country's image is the product largely of one nation's socially constructed perception (or misperception) of another nation. A country's image may seem politically insignificant, but its image and associated identity are often socially meaningful and have an important impact on the overall milieu for narratives and discourses in international relations. This essay intends to make sense of Canada's image among Chinese. It first defines the concept of "image" and specifically Canada's image in China. Then, through examination of various aspects of image-making, such as symbolic individual figures, media venues, and popular topics, this article seeks to deconstruct this image. It argues that the Canadian image is important for Sino-Canadian relations because a country's image and reputation are among the most valuable assets its people possess and a key component of soft power. The political weight of public image, however, is more the product of a country's importance and less its image. For example, compared to the relatively negative public image of the United States in China, Canada's more positive public image does not make it more important to China's government or its people.

AbstractMigrant workers present a new challenge both to China's increasingly diversified industrial relations and to its state–society relationship, especiallyvis‐à‐visChina's developmental state. Through an examination of the situation of migrant workers in the country's labour‐intensive foreign investment enterprises, this article argues that it is difficult to establish tripartite industrial relations in China and that pluralistic labour organizations will not easily develop into civil society type labour entities. China's developmental state is in an ambiguous process in redefining its role. Its ability to micro‐manage society is weakening substantially. However, its developmental character at the macro‐level largely remains strong, allowing it to continue to restrict progress towards civil society. The future will ultimately depend on a collective determination by key players — the workers, unions and the state — to find a compromise.