Report: China Has Overtaken The US As The World’s Dominant Diplomatic Power
JakeThomas
China’s rapid rise over the past decade has led to the country overtaking the United States as the world’s largest diplomatic power, according to a recent report from the Lowy Institute.
The think tank said that at present, “China has 276 diplomatic posts around the world, compared with the US's 273,” with posts that “consist of embassies, high commissions, consulates and consulates general, permanent missions, and other representations in countries where there is no diplomatic relationship.”
Business Insider reported that in 2017, China had three fewer diplomatic posts than the U.S. — 271 to America’s 274.
President Donald Trump “has slashed funding for the State Department and struggled to fill key diplomatic roles,” leading to a weakening of U.S. foreign policy around the globe, Business Insider noted.
Along with diplomatic reach, China is set to surpass the U.S. in terms of economic and military power as well, the publication said, as China is “developing advanced weapons at a rapid and secretive pace” and its economy could outshine America’s as soon as next year.
