Beyond Inclusion: Explaining China's Rejection on the Indo-Pacific Regional Construct

The concept of “Indo-Pacific” has been increasingly adopted in foreign policies during the past few years. Despite its multifaceted nature, China consistently rejected use Indo-Pacific official policy. Beijing’s attitude was reflected Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s remarks that dismissed as a “come-back Cold War mentality” and “retrogression history.” This study explains why renounced despite increasing inclusion defining region. By employing realist constructivism theory, this paper finds prevalence containment anti-China narrative engenders threat perception to concept. dominant narratives China’s regional strategy, such “community common destiny,” also affect how country treats Western-centric concept, aimed limit influence. Beyond seeking from conception, advances own vision is projected through Belt Road Initiatives various concepts shape order Beijing's preference.