China's web of ties makes it a diplomatic superpower

China's increasing diplomatic clout is not accidental but stems from a centuries-old tradition of relational diplomacy, now recognized globally as Beijing solidifies its role as a reliable partner. This approach is articulated by academic Qin Yaqing, a former president of China Foreign Affairs University, often called the 'cradle of Chinese diplomacy.'

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Beijing treats them as something looser: states are “actors-in-relations” whose identities and preferences emerge from the ties that connect them.

Qin's relational theory of world politics centers Chinese foreign policy on 'guanxi,' a concept deeply rooted in Confucian thought and embedded in daily Chinese social life. This theory visualizes international relations as a spreading web of connections, where states are positioned within circles of varying closeness. Unlike Western theories that often view states as fixed units with pre-defined interests, Beijing sees them as 'actors-in-relations.' Their identities and preferences are shaped by the connections they forge, and cooperation arises from these evolving ties rather than pre-existing agendas.

This relational framework allows for continuous rapprochement, as no relationship is considered beyond repair. Order, in China's view, is not an imposed structure but a dynamic process shaped by actors within this web. The bonds between states are seen as relationships themselves, which are more profound than mere contracts because they foster reciprocal investment rather than external obligations. States within this network have incentives to deepen their ties, as exiting a relationship means losing potential gains and established connections.

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Cooperation does not follow from pre-existing interests; it is what shapes relations.

The growing visibility of this relational web demonstrates China's diplomatic adaptability and growing prowess on the world stage. The recent hosting of both the U.S. and Russian presidents within days highlights Beijing's central position in this evolving diplomatic landscape.

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Order, for China, is less a structure imposed by stronger states than a process remade by actors inside the web.