Historical Evolution and Contemporary Insights: The Diplomatic Relations between China and Portuguese-speaking Countries in the 20th Century

Ming Wen; Yinan Wang

doi:10.54691/xh7gvv26

Historical Evolution and Contemporary Insights: The Diplomatic Relations between China and Portuguese-speaking Countries in the 20th Century

Ming Wen, Yinan Wang

Scientific Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences, (2025), Vol.7, No.12, pp.371-388

Published: December 8, 2025

DOI: 10.54691/xh7gvv26

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Abstract

This study investigates the evolution of China’s diplomatic relations with Portuguese-speaking countries (PSCs) throughout the 20th century. It traces the transition from symbolic and low-profile interactions during the late Qing and early Republican periods, through cautious wartime diplomacy, to the establishment of bilateral and multilateral cooperation frameworks in the post-Cold War era. Relying on historical document analysis and comparative historical methods, the study identifies the key drivers, strategies, and implications of Sino-Lusophone relations. The findings highlight how the historical trajectory of China–PSC relations offers practical lessons for contemporary initiatives such as the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and South–South cooperation.

Keywords: China–Portuguese-speaking Countries; Historical Evolution; Multilateral Diplomacy; Forum Macao; Belt and Road Initiative.

APA Citation: Ming Wen, Yinan Wang (2025). Historical Evolution and Contemporary Insights: The Diplomatic Relations between China and Portuguese-speaking Countries in the 20th Century. Scientific Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences, 7(12), 371-388. https://doi.org/10.54691/xh7gvv26

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