Changes in China’s Nuclear Non-Proliferation Policy and Behavior：An Understanding of Norms based on Legitimacy

　　Abstract: From the late 1950s until the present, both China’s nuclear nonproliferation policy and its corresponding behavior have gone through a striking process of change, evolving from opposition to the norm of non-proliferation to partial acceptance, and later to strong support. There are three theories which attempt to explain this: a theory of American intervention; a theory of institutional participation, and a theory of strategic culture. There are difficulties with all three of these explanations. This article argues that normative legitimacy is the key to explaining changes in China’s policy and behavior with respect to nuclear non-proliferation. Legitimacy, international pressure and selfinterest are the three critical variables considered in this study. The legitimacy of the norm of nuclear non-proliferation in China determines China’s nuclear nonproliferation policies and its behavior. International pressure and selfinterest on the other hand impact the pace and depth of change.

　　Author: Liu Jianwei is a PhD Student in the School of International Relations and Public Affairs of Fudan University