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Description

This commentary explores the evolving patterns of the People’s Republic of China’s military diplomatic engagements, and how China leverages these activities to shape regional and global security perceptions. The authors explain that Beijing’s expanding military diplomacy—through joint exercises, high-level military exchanges, port calls, and multilateral forums—is designed to signal strategic intent, strengthen security ties, and increase influence among partner and partner-aspirant states. Rather than pure cooperation, many of these interactions reflect China’s approach to strategic competition, alliance building, and shaping norms in ways that support Beijing’s broader objectives. By “visualizing” these patterns, the article highlights emerging geostrategic trends, underscores the implications for U.S. allies and partners, and suggests integrated policy responses to maintain balance and stability in the Indo-Pacific and beyond.

Document Type

Article

Topic(s)

Strategic Competition, National Security, Defense Policy

Region(s)

Indo-Pacific/East Asia, United States

Publication Date

8-5-2025

Keywords

China military diplomacy, PLA foreign relations, joint military exercises, defense cooperation, strategic signaling, Indo-Pacific security, Belt and Road Initiative security ties, multilateral military engagement, military port calls, security partnerships, great-power competition, U.S.–China strategic competition, regional influence

Visualizing China’s Military Diplomacy

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