China Has the Most Diplomatic Missions Worldwide with 274... US Ranks 2nd with 271

China has been found to have the largest number of diplomatic missions operating worldwide. This reflects China's efforts to expand its diplomatic influence amid escalating geopolitical tensions between the US and China.

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According to the 2024 Global Diplomacy Index released on the 25th (local time) by the Lowy Institute in Australia, China operates 274 diplomatic missions worldwide, the highest number recorded. The United States followed with 271 diplomatic missions, ranking second.

Turkey ranked third with 252, Japan fourth with 251, and France fifth with 249. South Korea ranked 13th with 187 overseas diplomatic missions.

In 2017, the US operated 274 diplomatic missions worldwide, surpassing China, which had 271. However, since the US-China trade conflict intensified in 2018, the US has fallen behind China in the number of diplomatic missions operated globally.

The full-scale launch of China's Belt and Road Initiative (connecting China, Central Asia, and Europe via land and maritime Silk Roads) in 2013 also had a significant impact. China has expanded its influence in impoverished regions such as Southeast Asia and Africa by providing large-scale loans and aid. Amid sanctions led by the West centered on the US, China aimed to demonstrate the power of "China money" in the Third World and strengthen the status of the yuan as a key currency. As a result, in 2021, the number of diplomatic missions was 275 for China and 267 for the US, widening the gap to eight, which then narrowed to three last year.

China has shown strong influence in Africa, East Asia, and Central Asia, where the Belt and Road projects have been actively pursued. The US holds an advantage in allied regions such as Europe, North America, Central America, and South Asia. In the Middle East and South America, the number of diplomatic missions operated by the US and China was equal.

Ryan Neelum, director of the Lowy Institute, stated, "Diplomacy is often overlooked as a measure of influence, but it has never been a more important factor in governance." He added, "The ongoing competition between the US and China is reflected in the dominance of great powers in early 2024. Geopolitical competition is concentrated in the Asia-Pacific region." He further noted, "The Global Diplomacy Index shows that governments continue to invest in diplomacy to achieve national interests."

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