Decentralization and the challenges to Chinese foreign policy making

During the reform period, power has been disaggregated and delegated to many entities, many of which have a large degree of independence in their actions at home and abroad. Despite the recent efforts to re-centralize power, many actors are able to act contrary to the interests of the central government and challenge its foreign policy making.

Recommended readings by Martin:

• For a great example how understanding internal workings of the Chinese system can expand our knowledge in other areas, I recommend Yuen Yuen Ang: How China Escaped the Poverty Trap.
• For a more empirical look at how Chinese foreign policy making is neither as monolithic nor as strategic as it's often portrayed, a recent analysis of BRI is quite helpful:  "Debunking the Myth of ‘Debt-trap Diplomacy: How Recipient Countries Shape China’s Belt and Road Initiative" by Shahar Hameiri and Lee Jones.