China's diplomatic efforts have been successful in recent months, with a dozen heads of state visiting the country since Xi Jinping's last trip abroad in October. The foreign ministry has handled these visits flawlessly, showcasing China's ability to connect with leaders from across the globe.
China's approach to diplomacy is characterized by a 'thin' approach, where it desires partners rather than allies. This enables breadth in foreign involvements while minimizing depth. China's main requests of its partners are to remain silent on its internal affairs and not hinder its pursuit of core interests.
The country has classified 109 countries as partners, including odd bedfellows such as Ukraine and Russia, India and Pakistan, and Israel and Palestine. This approach is seen as a way for China to expand its influence without making significant commitments.
China's hierarchy of partnerships reflects its preference for handling disputes bilaterally and behind closed doors. The country's main interests are parochial, unless a country is on the wrong side of China's territorial disputes.
China's approach to diplomacy has been successful in gaining the favor of countries seeking its attention. However, this approach also constrains what partners get in return, with formal military support not being on the table.
