Social Sciences in China (Chinese Edition)

No. 9, 2025

The “Neo-Colonialist” Discursive Essence of the US Open Door Policy

(Abstract)

Ma Jianbiao and Xu Gao

At the turn of the twentieth century, US foreign policy strategically shifted from “continental expansion” to “overseas expansion.” Facing a relatively disadvantaged position in East Asia, the US abandoned the European model of territorial partition and instead pursued a “neo-colonial” strategy centered on political control, economic exploitation, and cultural penetration. While publicly proclaiming the banners of “preserving China” and “equal opportunity,” the US concealed its ambition to monopolize China’s vast future market. By framing the Open Door Policy as a “progressive” scheme in opposition to territorial annexation, it sought to gain undeserved praise and broad international support. In essence, the Open Door Policy constituted a typical “neo-colonial” discourse: it skillfully exploited the international-legal rhetoric of “anti-colonialism” to serve American economic expansion and regional dominance.