China’s Military Diplomacy in the New Era

Abstract

Dr. Phillip Saunders, in the INSS Center for the Study of Chinese Military Affairs, and Melodie Ha analyze the evolution of China's military diplomacy from 2002 to 2024, focusing on three key activities: senior-level visits, naval port calls, and joint exercises. The article examines how the People's Liberation Army (PLA) has transitioned from an inward-facing force to a more globally engaged military, using diplomacy as a tool to support China's foreign policy objectives. The authors highlight the strategic and operational aims of China's military diplomacy, including shaping the international environment, laying groundwork for future overseas access, and enabling intelligence gathering and operational learning from foreign militaries. The analysis also discusses the geographical concentration of China's military engagements, with a significant focus on Asia, particularly Southeast Asia.

Document Type

Article

Topic(s)

Chinese Military, Defense Policy

Region(s)

Asia

Publication Date

7-5-2025

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