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AbstractThe United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) presents itself as a global laboratory of ideas. In 2022, China became the largest financial contributor to UNESCO at a time when the United States had been absent from the organisation for 4 years. Against this backdrop, a focus on whether or not China has become a more powerful actor within UNESCO is timely and capable of adding a new dimension to the existing body of literature on China's participation in global governance. This paper draws on UNESCO reports and data, as well as interviews with UNESCO officials and Chinese diplomats. Building on Barnett and Duvall's power typology, the article concludes that China's power within UNESCO has increased, yet unevenly. China is regarded as a moderate contributor rather than a challenger to existing power constellations in terms of compulsory power, structural power and productive power. However, China has shaped new industry norms and rules in the professional domain of UNESCO, reflecting institutional power shifts. Moreover, China's mechanisms of indirect influence within UNESCO have shifted towards a strategy referred to as 'homeland diplomacy', expanding the range of stakeholders to include experts, private sector entities and universities.

Peacebuilding aims to resolve conflicts by addressing the root causes. The mainstream theory of peacebuilding is the liberal approach, which has been successful in some regions but has also faced criticism and failures in others. In response to the need for new approaches to peacebuilding, China was under the spotlight as an emerging and active actor in conflict-affected areas, through economic assistance, UN peacekeeping contributions, and mediation efforts. So can China's practice bring stability and peace to the local communities? This book explores China's approach through the Developmental Peace framework, promoting sustainable peace through multi-dimensional development: economic growth, effective governance, and the human right to survival and development. Based on extensive interviews in China and conflict zones like South Sudan, the author demonstrates China's potential for achieving stability, though long-term observation is needed to ensure sustainable peace. Developmental Peace offers a comprehensive analysis of China's role in international peacebuilding, providing valuable insights into conflict resolution and sustainable peace.