Simone Lawson
China's diplomatic strategy has been a topic of interest for many, with its growing influence and power on the global stage. China's diplomatic efforts have been described as a charm offensive or wolf warrior diplomacy, reflecting a defiant and resolute stance while also seeking to advance anti-imperialist and anti-colonialist values. China has tailored its strategy to specific regions, such as East Asia, Africa, and Europe, using a range of tools like cultural exchanges, financial investments, and high-level visits to increase its influence and pursue its national interests. Its early success in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic also facilitated its mask diplomacy, enhancing its global reputation. China's diplomatic relations and influence continue to shape its standing in the world, particularly in contrast to powers like the United States.
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What You'll Learn
China's mask and vaccine diplomacy during the COVID-19 pandemic
China's early success in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic facilitated its mask diplomacy. Chinese ownership of much of the global medical supply chain enabled the country to send doctors, masks, and medical equipment to countries in need. This was particularly effective in Africa, where China's aid filled a void left by traditional donors, such as the USA, and helped to improve its image in the region. China's mask diplomacy was also notable in Europe, although it faced some criticism there.
China soon followed its mask diplomacy with vaccine diplomacy, leveraging its low infection rates to send vaccines abroad. This was particularly prominent in Latin America, the Arab world, and the Global South, where Chinese vaccines were seen as a reliable alternative to those produced by Western countries. China linked its vaccine donations with economic support and long-term cooperation projects, such as debt cancellation, investments in the digital economy, renewable energy development, and expansion of the 5G network.
Through its health diplomacy during the COVID-19 pandemic, China gained ground and enhanced its reputation as a responsible global actor. This form of diplomacy, along with China's increasing involvement in international organizations, has contributed to the country's growing influence and power on the world stage.
China's diplomatic efforts during the pandemic can be understood in the context of its broader foreign relations strategy, which has evolved to focus on pragmatic pursuits such as trade, investment, and energy security. China's role as a major aid donor and its increasing military power have raised questions about its long-term goals, particularly in regions like the Pacific. While China's diplomatic and economic engagement has been welcomed by some, it has also sparked criticism and concerns about neocolonialism, racial discrimination, and human rights violations.
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China's military power and aid policy in the Pacific
China's military power in the Pacific has been a growing concern for the United States, with its rapid military growth in the Indo-Pacific region challenging the US's position as the strongest military power in the area since World War II. China's military spending in 2022 was estimated to be around $711 billion, almost equal to the US defense budget for the same year. This has allowed China to develop modern military capabilities and project its power regionally. For example, China has a growing fleet of ships, expected to reach 425 by 2030, and a rapidly modernizing air force with domestically produced aircraft like the J-20 stealth fighter.
China has also been increasingly assertive in the Pacific, conducting military drills around Taiwan and calling its president a "parasite". These actions have been seen as a "stern warning" against separatism and have been condemned by Taiwan's government, which remains confident in its ability to defend itself. China's growing military power in the Pacific has caused concern in Washington, with some calling for a more robust response to counter Chinese aggression.
In addition to its military power, China has also been increasing its aid to the Pacific region. After a pandemic-induced lull in spending, China's aid engagement with the Pacific has rebounded, with a focus on infrastructure projects and grassroots, embassy-led initiatives. China's aid strategy has transitioned from loan-financed to grant-dominated, with grants accounting for nearly two-thirds of its aid to the region. This shift reflects the economic realities of the Pacific countries and China's pragmatic approach to aid.
China's aid spending in the Pacific reached $256 million in 2022, surpassing the previous two years' levels. Notable projects include the $135 million Vanua Levu Road Upgrade in Fiji, the $75 million Digital TV Transformation Project in Papua New Guinea, and the $66 million Huawei cell tower project. China's aid and development assistance play a key role in building relationships in the Pacific, and its increased spending and new infrastructure commitments signal a renewed ambition in the region.
In conclusion, China's military power in the Pacific is rapidly growing, challenging the US's dominance in the region. Simultaneously, China is increasing its aid engagement, focusing on infrastructure and grassroots initiatives. China's military and aid policies in the Pacific are shaping its relationships with countries in the region and impacting the geopolitical dynamics with the US and its allies.
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China's manipulation of international organisations and standards setting bodies
China has been accused of increasingly attempting to manipulate and subvert international organisations and standards-setting bodies to advance the goals of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) globally. This includes the United Nations, where China holds a permanent seat on the UN Security Council, and various regional fora. One of the tactics employed by Beijing is to groom and install CCP members in leadership and other influential positions within these organisations.
China has also been accused of using coercion and cooption to evade accountability for human rights violations and to advance its interests at the expense of the United States and its allies. The US Department of State has stated its intention to promote accountability for China's human rights violations and to mitigate China's manipulation of international organisations.
In recent years, there have been reports of Chinese actors attempting to alter the outcomes of standards votes, including by demanding that all Chinese participants on a given committee vote for a particular proposal. For example, in 2021, the Wall Street Journal reported that Chinese participants in two meetings related to telecom standards were instructed to vote for Huawei's proposal, contravening the norms and rules of Standards Developing Organisations (SDOs).
China's manipulation of international standards can also serve other purposes, such as covering up unfair domestic protectionism. By taking advantage of the World Trade Organization's Technical Barriers to Trade agreement, which requires member countries to use international standards, China can push its own domestic standards through SDOs and then require companies in its domestic market to use these "international" standards, putting foreign companies at a disadvantage.
However, it is important to note that some observers argue that Chinese participants in standards committees generally act within existing norms and rules, and that instances of attempted manipulation are the exception rather than the rule.
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China's multifaceted commercial ties with Europe
China has been strengthening its diplomatic ties with Europe, with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi calling for closer ties with Europe. This comes as the US imposes tariffs on Europe, causing a strain in their relationship. China's diplomatic ties with Europe are multifaceted, encompassing various commercial and economic aspects.
One of the key aspects of China's commercial ties with Europe is its engagement with European companies. The European Union Chamber of Commerce in China (EUCCC) supports European SMEs in exporting to and investing in China, offering specific advice on IPR issues. However, European companies continue to face discrimination in the Chinese market, with many sectors remaining largely closed to foreign investment. The Chinese government's pursuit of import substitution and self-sufficiency has made it challenging for European businesses to compete on a level playing field.
Another facet of China's commercial diplomacy with Europe is its engagement with individual countries. For instance, China has expressed its desire to work with Portugal to promote stronger Chinese-European relations. This comes as EU member states worry about the prospect of a trade war with both the US and China. China's relationship with Portugal serves as an example of its efforts to build strategic alliances within Europe.
Furthermore, China's response to the COVID-19 pandemic has played a role in its diplomatic efforts. With Chinese ownership of much of the global medical supply chain, China was able to send medical equipment and doctors to other countries, including Europe. This "mask diplomacy" was followed by "vaccine diplomacy," as China's low infection rates allowed it to send vaccines abroad, enhancing its image as a responsible global actor.
China's commercial ties with Europe also extend to the automotive industry. While European automakers, particularly in the electric vehicle sector, have faced challenges due to the rise of Chinese automakers, there have been efforts to restart talks on European tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles. This indicates a willingness to address trade tensions and foster a more collaborative environment.
In conclusion, China's multifaceted commercial ties with Europe involve complex dynamics between individual European countries, European companies, and responses to global events such as the COVID-19 pandemic. While there are challenges and tensions, both China and Europe recognize the importance of their economic partnership and continue to navigate and negotiate their diplomatic relationship.
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China's public diplomacy efforts in East Asia
Japan, South Korea, and Australia have been the focus of a significant volume of Chinese public diplomacy activities, including sister cities, Confucius Institutes, and official visits. Beijing has also utilised its economic power as a tool of public diplomacy, with AidData estimating that Beijing spent over US$48 billion in the East Asia and Pacific region between 2000 and 2016. This included infrastructure investments, humanitarian aid, budget support, and debt relief.
China's educational institutions and student exchange programs have also played a role in its public diplomacy efforts in East Asia. Beijing has offered government-backed scholarships to students from countries like Mongolia, Cambodia, Indonesia, and Myanmar, seeking to influence foreign publics and promote its preferred narrative. Additionally, China's response to the COVID-19 pandemic, including its mask and vaccine diplomacy, has contributed to its public diplomacy efforts in the region.
China's digital public diplomacy towards ASEAN countries has also been a focus, with Chinese diplomats employing strategic communication tactics on social media platforms like Twitter and TikTok to convey their political stances and initiatives. China's integration of immigration into its foreign policy and its interest in the ASEAN region, which serves as a middle ground for power dynamics between Eastern and Western nations, have further shaped its public diplomacy efforts in East Asia.
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Frequently asked questions
China has been accused of using its diplomatic relations to advance its power in several ways. Firstly, China has been accused of manipulating international organisations and standards-setting bodies, including the United Nations, to advance the goals of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). Secondly, China has been accused of using "chequebook diplomacy" to increase its influence in the South Pacific and to prevent countries from granting diplomatic recognition to Taiwan. Thirdly, China has been accused of using "mask diplomacy" during the COVID-19 pandemic to gain influence by sending medical equipment and supplies to other countries. China has also been accused of using "vaccine diplomacy" by sending vaccines abroad, which has been criticised by the United States.
Wolf warrior diplomacy is a term used to describe China's defiant and resolute diplomatic strategy, which seeks to reframe China's relations with other countries through the lens of anti-imperialism and anti-colonialism. This approach has been particularly appealing to the peoples of African and Latin American states.
China has been accused by the United States of unfair and illegal economic practices. China has also been accused of using economic diplomacy to advance its power, for example, by providing loans and grants to other countries. China's economic relations with the United States are significant, with total goods and services trade amounting to an estimated $643.2 billion in 2023.
China has been accused of using soft power to make friends and influence people, particularly within its immediate neighbourhood. China's soft power initiatives include cultural events, study abroad programs, and sister cities.
China has been accused of using its military power to resolve disputes with its neighbours and to increase its influence in the Asia-Pacific region. China has made significant increases in its military budget and has been accused of supplying military equipment to other countries, such as Zimbabwe.
