This thesis investigates the influence of Chinese domestic private enterprises (DPEs) on foreign economic policy.From virtually non-existence at the onset of reform in 1978,Chinas DPEs have emerged as a main pillar of Chinas economic development and are increasingly seeking to translate their economic success into political influence.This study argues that the overhaul of Chinas domestic institutional structure associated with Chinas WTO accession in 2001 has opened up Chinas foreign economic policy process and created new spaces for formerly excluded non-state actors in Chinas policy sphere, such as DPEs.Further,it is argued that DPEs strong dependence on foreign trade makes them pursue a foreign economic policy agenda that is primarily directed towards promoting trade liberalization and economic institutionalization.Based on three industry case studies,the thesis finds that there is no single way of foreign economic policy lobbying by DPEs.Depending on the economic and political context of the DPE,its international linkages,and the personal activism of the entrepreneur,the chances and channels of foreign policy influence vary widely.Nevertheless,DPEs have become part of the increasingly complex foreign and domestic policy-making process in China.DPEs impact on foreign economic policy strengthens external opening and institutionalization of foreign economic relations,and has helped to make the policy-making process more transparent.These findings support the view that the Chinese policy-making process-including foreign economic policy-became more pluralistic,open and decentralized during the last two decades.