The ultimate guide to political words and vocabulary in Chinese
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Struggle to keep up with Chinese news? Then take a look at this government, politics, and international relations vocabulary in Chinese!
Being able to connect with over a billion people is one of the biggest benefits of learning Chinese. In addition to unlocking hundreds of millions of possible new friends, this also allows you to keep up with Chinese news broadcasts, reports, magazines, and the latest thought leaders in Chinese society.
This is important for several reasons, with almost too many benefits to mention. Some of the most significant are:
- For business purposes: If you plan to do business in China, you will want to keep up with government policies and regulatory developments. Being able to understand these reports and new laws will allow you to adapt faster than the competition, giving you a critical edge.
- For international relations: As China’s role in global governance increases, it becomes more and more relevant in international conflicts. Reading Chinese policy papers and listening to press conferences in Chinese will allow you to get a clearer understanding of China’s perspective on these critical issues.
- For studies: China has a number of excellent higher education institutions that offer stellar programs in government, politics, and international relations. In fact, half of the world’s top ten institutions by research output are Chinese!
- For personal development: China has countless academics, scholars, and thinkers who regularly produce books, articles, and even social media posts that can offer you brand-new perspectives.
So, whether you’re trying to elevate your diplomatic skills or simply want to become a more well-rounded person, take a look at this helpful Chinese vocabulary about politics and international relations!
Table of contents
- Vocabulary for understanding politics and government in Chinese
- Vocabulary for understanding international relations in Chinese
- Fun facts about Chinese governance & policies
- TV drama series to understand Chinese politics
- Conclusion
Vocabulary for understanding politics and government in Chinese
Before you get started, we should warn you: there is a lot of vocabulary about politics and government in Chinese. There are not only many words that you need to learn to understand the functions of the government itself (president, voting, laws, etc.) but also philosophical and political words that you can learn to have deep, thought-provoking debates.
However, do not attempt to learn all of these words at once. Not only is mass memorization a bad way to learn Chinese characters, but it’s also highly unlikely that you’ll need to use all or even most of these words in day-to-day conversations.
Instead, make personalized lists with words that you find interesting or think you’re going to use frequently. And, if you’re a real political junkie, the best way to rapidly acquire all this new vocabulary is by watching more political TV shows and reading more political books in Chinese, but more on that below!
Now, let’s get into the Chinese politics vocabulary!
Essential vocabulary for politics and government in Chinese
If you’re just looking for a quick refresher or want to find the few words that will pack the biggest punch, then we’ve got just the list for you. These are the 10 essential Chinese words for politics and government that you need to know if you want to follow along interesting conversations about policy and governance:
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Pronunciation |
| Government | 政府 | zhèng fǔ | jenq fuu |
| Politics | 政治 | zhèng zhì | jenq jyh |
| Policy | 政策 | zhèng cè | jenq tseh |
| Country/Nation | 国家 | guó jiā | gwo jia |
| Territory | 领土 | lǐng tǔ | liing tuu |
| Law | 法律 | fǎ lǜ | faa liuh |
| Regulation | 法规 | fǎ guī | faa guei |
| Military | 军事 | jūn shì | jiun duey |
| System | 制度 | zhì dù | jyh duh |
| Political party | 政党 | zhèng dǎng | jenq daang |
The foundations of government
The following list will be perfect for anyone looking to work in government or is simply passionate about it. These are just some of the most common features of governments around the world:
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Pronunciation |
| Coalition government | 联合政府 | lián hé zhèng fǔ | lian her jenq fuu |
| Government department | 政府部门 | zhèng fǔ bù mén | jenq fuu buh men |
| Central government | 中央政府 | zhōng yāng zhèng fǔ | jong iang jenq fuu |
| Local government | 地方政府 | dì fāng zhèng fǔ | dih fang jenq fuu |
| Federal government | 联邦政府 | lián bāng zhèng fǔ | lian bang jenq fuu |
| System reform | 体制改革 | tǐ zhì gǎi gé | tii jyh gae ger |
| Constitutional system | 宪政制度 | xiàn zhèng zhì dù | shiann jenq jyh duh |
| Administrative institutions | 行政机构 | xíng zhèng jī gòu | shyng jenq ji gow |
| Legislative institutions | 立法机构 | lì fǎ jī gòu | lih faa ji gow |
| Judicial institutions | 司法机构 | sī fǎ jī gòu | sy faa ji gow |
| Congress | 国会 | guó huì | gwo huey |
| Senate | 参议院 | cān yì yuàn | tsan yih yuann |
| House of Representatives | 众议院 | zhòng yì yuàn | jonq yih yuann |
| The cabinet | 内阁 | nèi gé | ney ger |
Political systems
If you love politics, philosophy, and deep, thought-provoking discussions about societal issues, then the following list is for you. Here are some common types of political systems, each with its own merits and downsides. Debate away!
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Pronunciation |
| Political system | 政体 | zhèng tǐ | jenq tii |
| Political power/regime | 政权 | zhèng quán | jenq chyuan |
| Centralization | 中央集权 | zhōng yāng jí quán | jong iang jyi chyuan |
| Decentralization | 分权 | fēn quán | fen chyuan |
| Democracy | 民主 | mín zhǔ | min juu |
| Democratic centralism | 民主集中制 | mín zhǔ jí zhōng zhì | min juu jyi jong jyh |
| Republic | 共和国 | gòng hé guó | gonq her gwo |
| Monarchy | 君主制 | jūn zhǔ zhì | jiun juu jyh |
| Constitutional monarchy | 君主立宪制 | jūn zhǔ lì xiàn zhì | jiun juu lih shiann jyh |
| Autocracy | 独裁 | dú cái | dwu tsair |
| Authoritarianism | 专制 | zhuān zhì | juan jyh |
| Totalitarianism | 专政 | zhuān zhèng | juan jenq |
| Socialism | 社会主义 | shè huì zhǔ yì | sheh huey juu yih |
| Communism | 共产主义 | gòng chǎn zhǔ yì | gonq chaan juu yih |
| Capitalism | 资本主义 | zī běn zhǔ yì | tzy been juu yih |
| Federalism | 联邦制 | lián bāng zhì | lian bang jyh |
| Unitarianism | 单一制 | dān yī zhì | dan i jyh |
| Multi-party system | 多党制 | duō dǎng zhì | duo daang jyh |
| One-party system | 一党制 | yì dǎng zhì | i daang jyh |
| Electorate | 选民 | xuǎn mín | sheuan min |
| Universal suffrage | 普选 | pǔ xuǎn | puu sheuan |
Leadership and political figures
To understand what’s going on in the news, you’ll need to understand the roles of the key decision-makers. If you were raised in the United States, then you’re probably used to hearing about the president, senators, and congresspeople, but each country has a different system with different key roles, so you’ll want to get familiar with them.
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Pronunciation |
| Leader | 领导 | lǐng dǎo | liing dao |
| Statesman | 政治家 | zhèng zhì jiā | jenq jyh jia |
| Politician | 政治人物 | zhèng zhì rén wù | jenq jyh ren wuh |
| Chairman | 主席 | zhǔ xí | juu shyi |
| General secretary | 总书记 | zǒng shū jì | tzoong shu jih |
| President | 总统 | zǒng tǒng | tzoong toong |
| Minister | 部长 | bù zhǎng | buh jaang |
| Premier | 总理 | zǒng lǐ | tzoong lii |
| Prime minister | 首相 | shǒu xiàng | shoou shianq |
| Legislator | 立法者 | lì fǎ zhě | lih faa jee |
| Mayor | 市长 | shì zhǎng | shyh jaang |
| Governor | 州长 | zhōu zhǎng | jou jaang |
| Governor of province | 省长 | shěng zhǎng | sheeng jaang |
| Commander | 司令官 | sī lìng guān | sy linq guan |
| Head of state | 元首 | yuán shǒu | yuan shoou |
| Ambassador | 大使 | dà shǐ | dah shyy |
| Party leader | 政党领袖 | zhèng dǎng lǐng xiù | jenq daang liing shiow |
| Committee chairman | 委员会主席 | wěi yuán huì zhǔ xí | woei yuan huey juu shyi |
| Candidate | 候选人 | hòu xuǎn rén | how sheuan ren |
| Representative | 代表 | dài biǎo | day beau |
Governance and political decisions
At the end of the day, politics impacts all of us. Even if you’re not particularly interested in the government or how decisions are made, you probably do want to stay informed about how these policies will affect your business and even personal life. Here are some of the most important vocabulary words about government and political decisions in Chinese:
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Pronunciation |
| Economic policy | 经济政策 | jīng jì zhèng cè | jing jih jenq tseh |
| Political ideology | 政治意识形态 | zhèng zhì yì shí xíng tài | jenq jyh yih shyr shyng tay |
| National sovereignty | 国家主权 | guó jiā zhǔ quán | gwo jia juu chyuan |
| Political order | 政治秩序 | zhèng zhì zhì xù | jenq jyh jyh shiuh |
| Decision-making | 决策 | jué cè | jyue tseh |
| Civil rights | 公民权利 | gōng mín quán lì | gong min chyuan lih |
| Election | 选举 | xuǎn jǔ | sheuan jeu |
| Election Day | 选举日 | xuǎn jǔ rì | sheuan jeu ryh |
| Appointment | 任命 | rèn mìng | renn minq |
| Political reform | 政治改革 | zhèng zhì gǎi gé | jenq jyh gae ger |
| Legal bill | 议案 | yì àn | yih ann |
| Vote | 投票 | tóu piào | tour piaw |
| Political crisis | 政治危机 | zhèng zhì wēi jī | jenq jyh uei ji |
| Legislative hearing | 听证会 | tīng zhèng huì | ting jenq huey |
| To impeach | 弹劾 | tán hé | tarn her |
| Anti-corruption | 反腐 | fǎn fǔ | faan fuu |
| Constitutional | 立宪 | lì xiàn | lih shiann |
| Legal system | 法律体系 | fǎ lǜ tǐ xì | faa liuh tii shih |
| Government functions | 政府职能 | zhèng fǔ zhí néng | jenq fuu jyr neng |
| Policy agenda | 施政纲领 | shī zhèng gāng lǐng | shy jenq gang liing |
| Administrative decision | 行政决定 | xíng zhèng jué dìng | shyng jenq jyue dinq |
| Legislative resolution | 立法决议 | lì fǎ jué yì | lih faa jyue yih |
| Military decision | 军事决策 | jūn shì jué cè | jiun shyh jyue tseh |
Political activity
Compared to absolute individual freedom, China prioritizes collective interests and social stability. While peaceful protests and demonstrations are legally allowed, they are not encouraged in practice. As a foreigner in mainland China, you should think carefully before deciding to get involved with any type of political activism. Additionally, you should try to avoid getting involved with political activities without prior authorization from the Chinese authorities.
Here is some vocabulary around political activity in Chinese:
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Pronunciation |
| Lobby | 游说 | yóu shuì | you shuey |
| Revolution | 革命 | gé mìng | ger minq |
| Demonstration | 示威 | shì wēi | shyh uei |
| Assembly | 集会 | jí huì | jyi huey |
| Association | 结社 | jié shè | jye sheh |
| Press/Publishing | 出版 | chū bǎn | chu baan |
| Speech | 言论 | yán lùn | yan luenn |
| Ideological trend | 思潮 | sī cháo | sy chaur |
| Put into practice | 实践 | shí jiàn | shyr jiann |
| To resist | 抗争 | kàng zhēng | kanq jeng |
| To protest | 抗议 | kàng yì | kanq yih |
| To proclaim | 公布 | gōng bù | gong buh |
| To issue | 发布 | fā bù | fa buh |
| To declare | 宣布 | xuān bù | shiuan buh |
| To negotiate | 协商 | xié shāng | shye shang |
| Party in power | 执政党 | zhí zhèng dǎng | jyr jenq daang |
| Opposition party | 在野党 | zài yě dǎng | tzay yee daang |
| Participating party | 参政党 | cān zhèng dǎng | tsan jenq daang |
| Train of thought | 思路 | sī lù | sy luh |
| Administer | 治理 | zhì lǐ | jyh lii |
| Empirical theory | 经验理论 | jīng yàn lǐ lùn | jing yann lii luenn |
| Conflict | 冲突 | chōng tū | chong twu |
| Backward | 落后 | luò hòu | luoh how |
| Trend | 趋势 | qū shì | chiu shyh |
| Turning point | 拐点 | guǎi diǎn | goai dean |
| Ballot | 选票 | xuǎn piào | sheuan piaw |
| To nominate | 提名 | tí míng | tyi ming |
| Poll | 民意调查 | mín yì diào chá | min yih diaw char |
| To campaign | 竞选 | jìng xuǎn | jinq sheuan |
| Appeal | 诉求 | sù qiú | suh chyou |
| Propaganda | 政治宣传 | zhèng zhì xuān chuán | jenq jyh shiuan chwan |
Chinese domestic policies
Chinese domestic politics are most likely very different from your home country, no matter where you come from. Not only are domestic policies and mechanisms different, but China faces unique political and economic struggles. Here are some of the vocabulary words you should be familiar with:
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Pronunciation |
| Combat Corruption | 治理腐败 | zhì lǐ fǔ bài | jyh lii fuu bay |
| United front | 统一战线 | tǒng yī zhàn xiàn | toong i jann shiann |
| Maintain social stability | 维护社会稳定 | wéi hù shè huì wěn dìng | wei huh sheh huey woen dinq |
| Economic miracle | 经济奇迹 | jīng jì qí jì | jing jih chyi ji |
| Common prosperity | 共同富裕 | gòng tóng fù yù | gonq torng fuh yuh |
| Harmonious society | 和谐社会 | hé xié shè huì | her shye sheh huey |
| Central Committee of the Communist Party | 中央委员会 | zhōng yāng wěi yuán huì | jong iang woei yuan huey |
| Politburo of the Communist Party | 中央政治局 | zhōng yāng zhèng zhì jú | jong iang jenq jyh jyu |
| Standing Committee of the Politburo of the Communist Party | 中央政治局常务委员会 | zhōng yāng zhèng zhì jú cháng wù wěi yuán huì | jong iang jenq jyh jyu charng wuh woei yuan huey |
| Communist Party | 共产党 | gòng chǎn dǎng | gonq chaan daang |
| National Congress of the Communist Party | 全国代表大会 | quán guó dài biǎo dà huì | chyuan gwo day beau dah huey |
| Multi-party Cooperation | 多党合作 | duō dǎng hé zuò | duo daang her tzuoh |
| The Chinese Dream | 中国梦 | zhōng guó mèng | jong gwo menq |
| One Country, Two Systems | 一国两制 | yì guó liǎng zhì | i gwo leang jyh |
| Put an end to “face” projects | 杜绝面子工程 | dù jué miàn zi gōng chéng | duh jyue miann tzy gong cherng |
| National rejuvenation | 民族复兴 | mín zú fù xīng | min tzwu fuh shing |
| Cultural confidence | 文化自信 | wén huà zì xìn | wen huah tzyh shinn |
| Socialism with Chinese characteristics | 中国特色社会主义 | zhōng guó tè sè shè huì zhǔ yì | jong gwo teh seh sheh huey juu yih |
| Collective action | 集体行动 | jí tǐ xíng dòng | jyi tii shyng donq |
| Petition / compliant letter | 请愿书/投诉信 | qǐng yuàn shū / tóu sù xìn | chiing yuann shu / tour suh shinn |
| Middle class | 中产阶级 | zhōng chǎn jiē jí | jong chaan jie jyi |
| Proletariat | 无产阶级 | wú chǎn jiē jí | wu chaan jie jyi |
| Patriotism | 爱国主义 | ài guó zhǔ yì | ay gwo juu yih |
| Political centralization | 政治集权 | zhèng zhì jí quán | jenq jyh jyi chyuan |
| Political decentralization | 政治分权 | zhèng zhì fēn quán | jenq jyh fen chyuan |
| Planned economy | 计划经济 | jì huà jīng jì | jih huah jing jih |
| Common Program | 《共同纲领》 | gòng tóng gāng lǐng | gonq torng gang liing |
Laws and regulations
At the end of the day, it’s the laws and regulations of a country or municipality that have the biggest impact on our daily lives. If you are living or doing business in China, then you definitely want to keep up with any new laws, guidelines, and regulations.
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Pronunciation |
| Amend constitution | 修宪 | xiū xiàn | shiou shiann |
| Draft | 草案 | cǎo'àn | tsao ann |
| Amendment | 修正案 | xiū zhèng àn | shiou jenq ann |
| Legal rights | 合法权益 | hé fǎ quán yì | her faa chyuan yih |
| Civil rights | 民事权利 | mín shì quán lì | min shyh chyuan lih |
| Civil obligations | 民事义务 | mín shì yì wù | min shyh yih wuh |
| Decree | 判令 | pàn lìng | pann linq |
| Jurisdiction | 审判权 | shěn pàn quán | sheen pann chyuan |
| Power of supervision | 监察权 | jiān chá quán | jian char chyuan |
| To authorize | 授权 | shòu quán | show chyuan |
| Legislation | 立法 | lì fǎ | lih faa |
| Common understanding | 共识 | gòng shí | gonq shyh |
| Administrative regulations | 行政法规 | xíng zhèng fǎ guī | shyng jenq faa guei |
| Local regulations | 地方性法规 | dì fāng xìng fǎ guī | dih fang shinq faa guei |
| Constitution | 宪法 | xiàn fǎ | shiann faa |
| Legality | 合法性 | hé fǎ xìng | her faa shinq |
| Autonomy | 自治 | zì zhì | tzyh jyh |
| General provision | 总则 | zǒng zé | tzoong tzer |
Vocabulary for understanding international relations in Chinese
Over the past few decades, China has grown into the world’s largest economy by some metrics. This was, in part, thanks to its ability to forge commercial relationships with countries all over the world. Today, China’s foreign policy objectives generally revolve around establishing and securing trade routes to create mutually beneficial trade relationships, like the Belt and Road Initiative (more on that below!).
We’ll give you all the vocabulary words you’ll need to know to fully understand Chinese foreign policy and international relations, but first, we’ll show you how to talk about bilateral relations in Chinese.
How to talk about international relations in Chinese
If you’ve already studied how to say country names in Chinese, then you already know that China is 中国 (zhōng guó), the United States is 美国 (měi guó), the United Kingdom is 英国 (yīng guó), and Japan is日本 (rì běn), just to name a few. If you wanted to talk about bilateral relations between China and any of these countries, you would need to put both country names together, followed by 关系 (guān xì), which is the word for relations.
However, there’s a neat abbreviation that you can use that only includes one character from each of the two countries. Here’s what we mean:
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Pronunciation |
| China–United States relations | 中美关系 | zhōng měi guān xì | jong meei guan shih |
| China-United Kingdom relations | 中英关系 | zhōng yīng guān xì | jong ing guan shih |
| China-Japan relations | 中日关系 | zhōng rì guān xì | jong ryh guan shih |
Diplomacy and foreign relations
Any good diplomat knows the importance of learning at least a few words in the language of your host nation. So, whether you’re learning Chinese from scratch or simply want a few words to keep under your belt, here are some of the top Chinese words on diplomacy and foreign relations:
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Pronunciation |
| Diplomacy | 外交 | wài jiāo | way jiau |
| Diplomat | 外交官 | wài jiāo guān | way jiau guan |
| Foreign policy | 外交政策 | wài jiāo zhèng cè | way jiau jenq tseh |
| Foreign relations | 外交关系 | wài jiāo guān xì | way jiau guan shih |
| Diplomatic language | 外交辞令 | wài jiāo cí lìng | way jiau tsyr linq |
| Trade war | 贸易战 | mào yì zhàn | maw yih jann |
| Trade agreement | 贸易协定 | mào yì xié dìng | maw yih shye dinq |
| International cooperation | 国际合作 | guó jì hé zuò | gwo jih her tzuoh |
| Sovereign state | 主权国家 | zhǔ quán guó jiā | juu chyuan gwo jia |
| Strategic partnership | 战略伙伴关系 | zhàn lüè huǒ bàn guān xì | jann liueh huoo bann guan shih |
| Globalization | 全球化 | quán qiú huà | chyuan chyou huah |
| Embassy | 使馆 | shǐ guǎn | shyy goan |
| Consulate | 领事馆 | lǐng shì guǎn | liing shyh goan |
| Negotiation | 谈判 | tán pàn | tarn pann |
| Arbitration | 裁决 | cái jué | tsair jyue |
| Summit | 峰会 | fēng huì | feng huey |
| Bilateral | 双边 | shuāng biān | shuang bian |
| Multilateral | 多边 | duō biān | duo bian |
| Economic aid | 经援 | jīng yuán | jing yuan |
| Arms control | 军控 | jūn kòng | jiun konq |
| To form an alliance | 结盟 | jié méng | jye meng |
| Ally | 盟友 | méng yǒu | meng yeou |
| Trade partner | 贸易伙伴 | mào yì huǒ bàn | maw yih huoo bann |
| In a mess domestically and abroad | 内忧外患 | nèi yōu wài huàn | ney iou way huann |
| Soft power | 软实力 | ruǎn shí lì | roan shyr lih |
| Colony | 殖民地 | zhí mín dì | jyr min dih |
| Imperialism | 帝国主义 | dì guó zhǔ yì | dih gwo juu yih |
| Anti-terrorism | 反恐 | fǎn kǒng | faan koong |
| Maritime Silk Road | 海上丝绸之路 | hǎi shàng sī chóu zhī lù | hae shanq sy chour jy luh |
| One Belt, One Road/The Belt and Road Initiative | 一带一路 | yí dài yí lù | i day i luh |
| To meddle, to interfere | 干涉 | gān shè | gan sheh |
| Balance of power | 均势 | jūn shì | jiun shyh |
| Hegemony | 霸权 | bà quán | bah chyuan |
| Leading | 主导 | zhǔ dǎo | juu dao |
International organizations and unions
As the world becomes more and more connected politically, economically, and culturally, international organizations and unions play an increasingly crucial role. These organizations are responsible for global governance and coordination, from economic integration to ecological conservation. Here are some of the largest international organizations that you might come across as you study international relations in Chinese.
In English, we typically use initials and acronyms to abbreviate the names of these organizations. For example, the International Monetary Fund is commonly referred to as the IMF and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization is known as UNESCO. Chinese uses a less straightforward abbreviation method, though it generally keeps only one of the two characters in each word of the name.
For example, the full name of the World Health Organization is 世界卫生组织, made up of the words 世界 (World), 卫生 (Health), and 组织 (Organization). Its abbreviation is 世卫组织, dropping the second character of 世界 (world) and 卫生 (health). On the other hand, the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank is 亚洲基础设施投资银行, made up of the words 亚洲 (Asia) 基础设施 (Infrastructure), 投资(Investment), and 银行 (Bank). Its abbreviation is simply 亚投行, which completely excludes the “infrastructure” component, so there’s no way to standardize abbreviations. Not to worry, though, we’ve included the full names of organizations and their abbreviations below!
Keep in mind that you don’t need to memorize or even learn all of these organizations, as you likely won’t come across all of them very often (if at all). For example, if your career or interests are in the field of international economics, then you’ll likely be hearing about organizations like the WTO or APEC, but likely won’t hear from environmental agencies like the IOC or the WFP. So, focus on learning the names of the orgs you’re most likely to need!
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Pronunciation |
| United Nations | 联合国 | lián hé guó | lian her gwo |
| World Bank | 世界银行 | shì jiè yín háng | shyh jieh yn harng |
| International Monetary Fund (IMF) | 国际货币基金组织 | guó jì huò bì jī jīn zǔ zhī | gwo jih huoh bih ji jin tzuu jy |
| Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) | 亚洲基础设施投资银行（亚投行） | yà zhōu jī chǔ shè shī tóu zī yín háng (yà tóu háng) | yah jou ji chuu sheh shy tour tzy yn harng (yah tour harng) |
| International Finance Corporation (IFC) | 国际金融公司 | guó jì jīn róng gōng sī | gwo jih jin rong gong sy |
| World Health Organization (WHO) | 世界卫生组织（世卫组织） | shì jiè wèi shēng zǔ zhī (shì wèi zǔ zhī) | shyh jieh wey sheng tzuu jy (shyh wey tzuu jy) |
| United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) | 联合国教育、科学及文化组织（联合国教科文组织） | lián hé guó jiào yù, kē xué jí wén huà zǔ zhī (lián hé guó jiào kē wén zǔ zhī) | lian her gwo jiaw yuh ke shyue jyi wen huah tzuu jy (lian her gwo jiaw ke wen tzuu jy) |
| World Trade Organization (WTO) | 世界贸易组织（世贸组织） | shì jiè mào yì zǔ zhī (shì mào zǔ zhī) | shyh jieh maw yih tzuu jy (shyh maw tzuu jy) |
| Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) | 亚太经济合作组织（亚太经合组织） | yà tài jīng jì hé zuò zǔ zhī (yà tài jīng hé zǔ zhī) | yah tay jing jih her tzuoh tzuu jy (yah tay jing her tzuu jy) |
| United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) | 联合国儿童基金会 | lián hé guó ér tóng jī jīn huì | lian her gwo erl torng ji jin huey |
| International Red Cross | 国际红十字会 | guó jì hóng shí zì huì | gwo jih horng shyr tzyh huey |
| International Maritime Organization (IMO) | 国际海洋组织 | guó jì hǎi yáng zǔ zhī | gwo jih hae yang tzuu jy |
| Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) | 联合国粮食及农业组织（粮农组织） | lián hé guó liáng shí jí nóng yè zǔ zhī (liáng nóng zǔ zhī) | lian her gwo liang shyr jyi nong yeh tzuu jy (liang nong tzuu jy) |
| International Air Transport Association (IATA) | 国际航空运输协会 | guó jì háng kōng yùn shū xié huì | gwo jih harng kong yunn shu shye huey |
| International Telecommunication Union (ITU) | 国际电信联盟 | guó jì diàn xìn lián méng | gwo jih diann shinn lian meng |
| International Olympic Committee (IOC) | 国际奥林匹克委员会 （国际奥委会） | guó jì ào lín pǐ kè wěi yuán huì (guó jì ào wěi huì) | gwo jih aw lin pii keh woei yuan huey (gwo jih aw woei huey) |
| World Food Programme (WFP) | 世界粮食计划署 | shì jiè liáng shí jì huà shǔ | shyh jieh liang shyr jih huah shuu |
| International Labour Organization (ILO) | 国际劳工组织 | guó jì láo gōng zǔ zhī | gwo jih lau gong tzuu jy |
| World Meteorological Organization (WMO) | 世界气象组织 | shì jiè qì xiàng zǔ zhī | shyh jieh chih shianq tzuu jy |
| International Energy Agency (IEA) | 国际能源署 | guó jì néng yuán shǔ | gwo jih neng yuan shuu |
| International Criminal Court (ICC) | 国际刑事法院 | guó jì xíng shì fǎ yuàn | gwo jih shyng shyh faa yuann |
| United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) | 联合国难民事务高级专员办事处（联合国难民署） | lián hé guó nàn mín shì wù gāo jí zhuān yuán bàn shì chù (lián hé guó nàn mín shǔ) | lian her gwo nann min shyh wuh gau jyi juan yuan bann shyh chuh (lian her gwo nann min shuu) |
| International Organization for Standardization (ISO) | 国际标准化组织 | guó jì biāo zhǔn huà zǔ zhī | gwo jih biau joen huah tzuu jy |
| Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) | 石油输出国组织（欧佩克） | shí yóu shū chū guó zǔ zhī (ōu pèi kè) | shyr you shu chu gwo tzuu jy (ou pey keh) |
| BRICS | 金砖国家 | jīn zhuān guó jiā | jin juan gwo jia |
| Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) | 东南亚国家联盟（东盟） | dōng nán yà guó jiā lián méng (dōng méng) | dong nan yah gwo jia lian meng (dong meng) |
| European Union (EU) | 欧洲联盟（欧盟） | ōu zhōu lián méng (ōu méng) | ou jou lian meng (ou meng) |
| Five Eyes Alliance (FVEY) | 五眼联盟（五眼） | wǔ yǎn lián méng (wǔ yǎn) | wuu yean lian meng (wuu yean) |
| North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) | 北大西洋公约组织（北约） | běi dà xī yáng gōng yuē zǔ zhī (běi yuē) | beei dah shi yang gong iue tzuu jy (beei iue) |
| African Union | 非洲联盟（非盟） | fēi zhōu lián méng (fēi méng) | fei jou lian meng (fei meng) |
| Group of Twenty (G20) | 二十国集团 | èr shí guó jí tuán | ell shyr gwo jyi twan |
| Group of Seven (G7) | 七国集团 | qī guó jí tuán | chi gwo jyi twan |
Global issues and challenges
Although countries all over the world face unique challenges, there are many things that humanity needs to work on as a whole. Issues like climate change, pandemics, and transnational crime need to be resolved across borders, and here’s the vocabulary you’re gonna need to contribute to the solution:
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Pronunciation |
| Climate Change | 气候变化 | qì hòu biàn huà | chih how biann huah |
| Sustainable Development | 可持续发展 | kě chí xù fā zhǎn | kee chyr shiuh fa jaan |
| Income Inequality | 贫富差距 | pín fù chā jù | pyn fuh cha jiuh |
| Environmental Protection | 环境保护 | huán jìng bǎo hù | hwan jinq bao huh |
| Transnational Crime | 跨国犯罪 | kuà guó fàn zuì | kuah gwo fann tzuey |
| Terrorism | 恐怖主义 | kǒng bù zhǔ yì | koong buh juu yih |
| Immigration | 移民 | yí mín | yi min |
| Refugee | 难民 | nàn mín | nann min |
| Food Security | 粮食安全 | liáng shí ān quán | liang shyr an chyuan |
| Pandemics | 流行病 | liú xíng bìng | liou shyng binq |
| Energy Security | 能源安全 | néng yuán ān quán | neng yuan an chyuan |
| International Development | 国际发展 | guó jì fā zhǎn | gwo jih fa jaan |
| Global Governance | 全球治理 | quán qiú zhì lǐ | chyuan chyou jyh lii |
| Population Issues | 人口问题 | rén kǒu wèn tí | ren koou wenn tyi |
| Cultural Diversity | 文化多样性 | wén huà duō yàng xìng | wen huah duo yanq shinq |
| Digital Divide | 数字鸿沟 | shù zì hóng gōu | shuh tzyh horng gou |
International economics
In a world with a globalized economy, knowing how to discuss international economics is more important than ever. Fortunately, you don’t need an MBA to understand how to talk about international economics in Chinese. Just take a look at the following list!
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Pronunciation |
| Macroeconomics | 宏观经济 | hóng guān jīng jì | horng guan jing jih |
| Microeconomics | 微观经济 | wēi guān jīng jì | uei guan jing jih |
| Currency | 货币 | huò bì | huoh bih |
| Capital | 资本 | zī běn | tzy been |
| Investment | 投资 | tóu zī | tour tzy |
| Savings | 储蓄 | chǔ xù | chwu shiuh |
| Labor | 劳工 | láo gōng | lau gong |
| Wages | 工资 | gōng zī | gong tzy |
| Service industry | 服务业 | fú wù yè | fwu wuh yeh |
| Skilled labor | 技术劳工 | jì shù láo gōng | jih shuh lau gong |
| Labor productivity rate | 劳动生产率 | láo dòng shēng chǎn lǜ | lau donq sheng chaan liuh |
| Labor-intensive | 劳动密集型 | láo dòng mì jí xíng | lau donq mih jyi shinq |
| Capital-intensive | 资本密集型 | zī běn mì jí xíng | tzy been mih jyi shinq |
| Supply | 供给 | gōng jǐ | gong jii |
| Demand | 需求 | xū qiú | shiu chyou |
| Cost | 成本 | chéng běn | cherng been |
| Price | 价格 | jià gé | jiah ger |
| Marginal cost | 边际成本 | biān jì chéng běn | bian jih cherng been |
| Monetary value | 金额 | jīn’é | jin er |
| Profit | 利润 | lì rùn | lih ruenn |
| Interest | 利益 | lì yì | lih yih |
| Enterprise | 企业 | qǐ yè | chii yeh |
| Industry/Sector | 行业 | háng yè | harng yeh |
| Externality | 外部性 | wài bù xìng | way buh shinq |
| Economy of scale | 规模经济 | guī mó jīng jì | guei mo jing jih |
| Income and expenses | 收支 | shōu zhī | shou jy |
| GDP per capita | 人均收入 | rén jūn shōu rù | ren jiun shou ruh |
| Income distribution | 收入分配 | shōu rù fēn pèi | shou ruh fen pey |
| Central bank | 中央银行 | zhōng yāng yín háng | jong iang yn harng |
| Government purchasing | 政府采购 | zhèng fǔ cǎi gòu | jenq fuu tsae gow |
| Finance (public) | 财政 | cái zhèng | tsair jenq |
| Interest rate | 利率 | lì lǜ | lih liuh |
| Debt exemption | 债务豁免 | zhài wù huò miǎn | jay wuh huoh mean |
Economic policies
Countries around the world employ all kinds of economic policies to optimize their economy and wealth distribution. Here is some helpful vocabulary about economic policies in Chinese:
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Pronunciation |
| Mercantilism | 重商主义 | zhòng shāng zhǔ yì | jonq shang juu yih |
| Absolute advantage | 绝对优势 | jué duì yōu shì | jyue duey iou shyh |
| Comparative advantage | 比较优势 | bǐ jiào yōu shì | bii jiaw iou shyh |
| Relative price | 相对价格 | xiāng duì jià gé | shiang duey jiah ger |
| Division of labor | 分工 | fēn gōng | fen gong |
| Protectionism | 保护主义 | bǎo hù zhǔ yì | bao huh juu yih |
| Infant industry protection | 新兴产业保护 | xīn xīng chǎn yè bǎo hù | shin shing chaan yeh bao huh |
| Monopoly | 垄断 | lǒng duàn | loong duann |
| Duopoly | 双寡头垄断 | shuāng guǎ tóu lǒng duàn | shuang goa tour loong duann |
| Price-setting power | 定价权 | dìng jià quán | dinq jiah chyuan |
| Price scissors | 剪刀差 | jiǎn dāo chā | jean dau cha |
| Demand reversal | 需求逆转 | xū qiú nì zhuǎn | shiu chyou nih joan |
| Demand-similarity hypothesis | 需求相似假设 | xū qiú xiāng sì jiǎ shè | shiu chyou shiang syh jea sheh |
| Product life cycle | 产品生命周期 | chǎn pǐn shēng mìng zhōu qī | chaan piin sheng minq jou chi |
| Gold standard system | 金本位制 | jīn běn wèi zhì | jin been wey jyh |
| Bretton Woods system | 布雷顿森林体系 | bù léi dùn sēn lín tǐ xì | buh lei duenn sen lin tii shih |
| Trilemma | 三元悖论 | sān yuán bèi lùn | san yuan bey luenn |
International trade
One of the centerpieces of Chinese foreign policy is fostering international trade. As you’ll see in the section below, China is embarking on many ambitious projects to take its international trade to a whole new level. Here are some of the most common international trade terms in Chinese:
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Pronunciation |
| Trade | 贸易 | mào yì | maw yih |
| Closed economy | 封闭经济 | fēng bì jīng jì | feng bih jing jih |
| Open economy | 开放经济 | kāi fàng jīng jì | kai fanq jing jih |
| Export | 出口 | chū kǒu | chu koou |
| Balance of trade | 贸易余额 | mào yì yú’é | maw yih yu er |
| Trade barriers | 贸易壁垒 | mào yì bì lěi | maw yih bih leei |
| Terms of trade | 贸易条件 | mào yì tiáo jiàn | maw yih tyau jiann |
| Tariff | 关税 | guān shuì | guan shuey |
| Levy | 征收 | zhēng shōu | jeng shou |
| Subsidy | 补贴 | bǔ tiē | buu tie |
| To sell | 销售 | xiāo shòu | shiau show |
| Output | 产量 | chǎn liàng | chaan lianq |
| Dumping | 倾销 | qīng xiāo | ching shiau |
| Rent | 租金 | zū jīn | tzu jin |
| Quota | 配额 | pèi’é | pey er |
| Consumer surplus | 消费者剩余 | xiāo fèi zhě shèng yú | shiau fey jee shenq yu |
| Producer surplus | 生产者剩余 | shēng chǎn zhě shèng yú | sheng chaan jee shenq yu |
| Import license | 进口许可证 | jìn kǒu xǔ kě zhèng | jinn koou sheu kee jenq |
| Voluntary export restraint | 自愿出口限制 | zì yuàn chū kǒu xiàn zhì | tzyh yuann chu koou shean jyh |
| Effective rate of protection | 有效保护率 | yǒu xiào bǎo hù lǜ | yeou shiaw bao huh liuh |
| First-mover advantage | 先发优势 | xiān fā yōu shì | shian fa iou shyh |
| Purchasing power parity | 购买力平价 | gòu mǎi lì píng jià | gow mae lih pyng jiah |
| Interest rate parity | 利率平价 | lì lǜ píng jià | lih liuh pyng jiah |
| Untradeable goods | 不可贸易品 | bù kě mào yì pǐn | buh kee maw yih piin |
| Exchange rate | 汇率 | huì lǜ | huey liuh |
| Foreign exchange | 外汇 | wài huì | way huey |
| Capital flows | 资本流动 | zī běn liú dòng | tzy been liou donq |
| Freely convertible currency | 自由兑换货币 | zì yóu duì huàn huò bì | tzyh you duey huann huoh bih |
Fun facts about Chinese governance & policies
Socialism with Chinese characteristics: 中国特色社会主义
One of the most misunderstood and frequently cited aspects of Chinese politics is the concept of “socialism with Chinese characteristics.” This concept was first introduced by Deng Xiaoping, the leader of China who ushered in the period of opening and reform known as 改革开放 (gǎi gé kāi fàng) starting in 1978.
These reforms attempted to adapt traditional Marxist values to the realities of China’s socio-economic conditions. Concretely, they implemented some aspects of market economies to encourage the development of industry and capital, foreign investment, and private ownership.
However, this doesn’t mean that China has abandoned socialism. The state still maintains control over the “commanding heights” of the economy. For example, some key industries and sectors are mainly operated by state-owned enterprises. Many private companies also establish party branches, which can affect how the business acts. This means that, unlike in many Western countries, the Chinese government still exerts heavy influence over key industries instead of letting it all up to the free market.
The Belt and Road Initiative: 一带一路
You probably already know that China is a massive manufacturing powerhouse. In fact, chances are that you’re currently wearing or using something made in China, especially since most computers and smartphones include components that were made in China. That’s because one of China’s biggest foreign policy objectives over the past few decades has been to increase trade with countries around the world.
The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is one of the flagship projects of China in the 21st century. Introduced in 2013, this initiative aims to fund key infrastructure projects around the world to facilitate trade and commerce, including ports, railways, and highways. By developing this key infrastructure, China hopes to foster mutually beneficial relationships with countries around the world to improve economic integration and connectivity.
As of January 2024, approximately 150 countries from all continents have joined the BRI.
A community with a shared future for mankind: 人类命运共同体
Most recently, China’s foreign policy direction can be understood by the concept of “A community with a shared future for mankind.” This is a diplomatic framework put forward by Chinese President Xi Jinping, which emphasizes cooperation, mutual respect, and shared benefits.
At its core, the concept stresses the importance of dialogue and cooperation instead of confrontation and zero-sum competition. The idea is to create a global community that understands that common prosperity is the only way to create sustainable global peace and resolve global conflicts like climate change and world hunger.
You’ll see this concept in China’s international diplomacy and foreign policy projects, such as the Belt and Road Initiative. This aligns with China’s push for a multipolar world and increased levels of global governance.
TV drama series to understand Chinese politics
Learning Chinese doesn’t have to be all about reading textbooks, taking classes, and memorizing flashcards. Once you progress past the beginner level and become an intermediate speaker, you’ll be delighted to learn that one of the best things you can do to improve your Chinese is simply kick back and enjoy some Chinese movies and TV shows.
If you want to target a particular area of Chinese, such as political language, then you can curate your movies and shows to acquire this type of vocabulary. Here are some of our top suggestions:
| English | Chinese | Theme | Description |
| In the Name of the People | 人民的名义 | Anti-corruption | Centers on anti-corruption efforts in contemporary China, following a prosecutor as he investigates corruption cases. |
| Minning Town | 山海情 | Poverty eradication | It depicts the transformative journey of a poverty-stricken village in Ningxia, focusing on poverty alleviation efforts, rural revitalization, and the lives affected by these initiatives. |
| Like A Flowing River | 大江大河 | Reform and opening-up | Tells the story of three men navigating the significant economic and social transformations in China between the 1970s and 1990s. |
Elevate your conversations with these political words in Chinese
Chinese politics and international relations objectives are deeply interesting and unique, especially if you come from a Western country. Whether you’re looking to work in China or simply want to learn more about the political system of this beautiful country, the vocabulary words in this article will help you expand your horizons by engaging in captivating political conversations in Chinese.
If you enjoyed this article, then check out the rest of our Mandarin blog entries! We publish all kinds of fun Mandarin content to help you learn, from our guide to Chinese grammar to marketing vocabulary in Chinese.
