China Social Science Review

No.1, 2022

The Contention over the Foundations of the International Order: Rules or International Law

(Abstract)

Xu Chongli

The “rules-based” international order has its roots in a specific Western international political context and is characterized by both power and relationships. China advocates the concept of an international order based on international law. Its main point is to emphasize the ideal or de jure nature of international law on the basis of  the rule of law spirit embodied in an international order founded on international law as well as the relevant normative implications of international law, and thereby oppose Western countries’ de facto interpretation of the rules in terms of international politics and confront the logic of international power politics inherent in their “rules-based” international order and their “rules-based” oppression of China.