According to a report by Newsweek on the 25th, China has surpassed the United States in the field of diplomacy and has become the world's largest diplomatic power. The data comes from the Sydney-based Lowy Institute for International Policy's Global Diplomacy Index 2024. According to the report, the total number of Chinese embassies and consulates abroad now exceeds that of the United States, reaching 274, ahead of the United States with 271. This is China's continued growth since 2019, when it surpassed the United States for the first time to become the country with the largest number of embassies and consulates abroad. According to the report, China leads the United States in the number of foreign offices in Africa, East Asia, Pacific Island countries and Central Asia, while the United States still maintains an advantage in Europe, Central and North America, and South Asia. The United States and China have an equal number of offices abroad in the Middle East and South America. China's transcendence marks the result of China's efforts to expand its influence, according to the Lowy Institute for International Policy.
As an important indicator of a country's influence, diplomacy has become more and more important at a time when the geopolitical competition between China and the United States is becoming increasingly fierce. Ryan Neellam, director of the Foreign Policy Program at the Lowy Institute for International Policy, said: "Diplomacy as a measure of influence is often overlooked, but it has never been more important in statecraft. He believes that the dominance of the two superpowers, China and the United States, in the diplomatic rankings in 2024, reflects that geopolitical competition has pushed the Asia-Pacific region into the spotlight.
The Lowy Institute for International Policy report also noted that Turkey and India have seen the fastest growth in their diplomatic networks, each adding 11 offices abroad. And due to the impact of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Russia's diplomatic network has been hit hard. In the Asian region, Japan remains the country with the strongest Asian diplomatic network, second only to China in the number of diplomatic institutions.
Regarding the Global Diplomacy Index report released by the Lowy Institute for International Policy, China*** said that China's embassies and consulates abroad are aimed at safeguarding the interests of the country and the people and developing friendly and cooperative relations with all countries in the world, not for competition and competition. The purpose of China's diplomacy is to safeguard world peace and promote common development. Major country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics is committed to building a new type of international relations and promoting the building of a community with a shared future for mankind. The enhancement of China's diplomatic influence and the development and growth of Chinese embassies and consulates abroad are beneficial to the cause of world peace and development and the cause of international fairness and justice.
In the global diplomatic landscape, China's rise is bound to have a profound impact on the world. As the world's largest diplomatic power, China will have more opportunities and responsibilities to cooperate with other countries to promote the development and prosperity of global affairs. This fact also shows that China is becoming an indispensable and important force on the international stage. As China's diplomatic influence grows, countries around the world will gradually recognize China's importance and attach greater importance to cooperative relations with China.
China's diplomatic strength is not only reflected in the number of embassies and consulates abroad, but also in its active participation in global governance, promoting the resolution of international issues, and maintaining regional stability. As a responsible major country, China will contribute to global affairs with a positive attitude and promote the building of a peaceful, stable and prosperous world. Over time, China's diplomatic influence will continue to expand, bringing more opportunities and challenges to the world.
In short, China has surpassed the United States to become the world's largest diplomatic power, and the significance of this data cannot be ignored. The enhancement of China's diplomatic power will bring great changes to the world and have an important impact on the international order and global affairs. As a rising power, China will continue to actively participate in international cooperation and contribute to the prosperity and stability of the world. At the same time, China will also face more challenges and responsibilities. In this era full of uncertainties, China will work together with other countries in an open and cooperative manner to create a better future.