當前「中共崛起」已是個不爭的事實，各界對於這個政治現象也多所探討與評估，惟在國際關係理論之運用與主張則是論辯之核心所在。為了穿透「中共崛起」之表象，本文採取新現實主義（neo-realism）、新自由主義（neo-liberalism）與建構主義（constructivism）為途徑，先探討各理論之意涵，進而以理論特性檢視中共崛起的實際事例，並發現中共正以發展「柔性國力」（soft power）影響國際體系，而三大主流理論在面對中共崛起時，本文主張研究者必須熟稔相關理論之特點與侷限，進而採取多元的（plural）態度深入研究，以能夠包容、客觀與周延地對於「中共崛起」這一政治現象加以描述、解釋甚或預測，或是探究西方國際關係理論能否用以觀察此現象。

"China rising" is an indisputable fact and the academic community focuses on this political phenomenon. However, the application of international relations theory is still debatable. In this article, we used neo-realism, neo-liberalism and constructivism, and try to approach this critical issue, not only to explore the meaning of theory, but also to review the actual cases, and find out that China is developing "soft power" to influence the international order. In order to correctly describe, explain and predict the effect of China rising, this article advocates that the researchers must be familiar with the characteristics of international relations theory, and understand the limitations of the theory. Finally, we should take a plural vision to study, and achieve comprehensive and objectivity goal.