关键词: 国家利益界定, 中国角色, 战略环境变迁, 内部变量, 外部变量, 思维革新

Abstract: The paper attempts to discuss the necessary innovative thinking concerning China’s role in international affairs by analyzing the definition of China’s national interests in the new era and new issues about maintenance of these interests against a background of changing strategic environment.The national interests of China are defined in terms of internal variables and external variables classified into seven types.They are: economic development,unification of mainland and Taiwan,social cohesion and construction of legitimacy of the government,guidance for the people to adopt healthy historical concept and big power mentality,perimeter security and recovery of lost territory,national image,and maintenance of overseas interests.On the basis of this discussion,the paper groups the seven types of interests at three levels,namely,core interests,fundamental interests,and important interests.In conclusion,the paper points out issues that should receive more emphases in defining and maintaining the national interests and in doing academic research as well.

Key words: definition of national interests, China’s role, changes in strategic environment, internal variables, external variables, innovative thinking