Hare Discusses China’s Diplomacy vs. Economic Power
Ambassador Paul Hare, Senior Lecturer in International Relations at the Frederick S. Pardee School of Global Studies at Boston University, had an article published on the Smerconish website and newsletter. The article, “Ukraine and Beyond: Can China’s Diplomacy Match Its Economic Power?” answered the questions: “Is China ready to be a global diplomatic playmaker? And why might it be a good thing if they were? How is China’s diplomacy working to adjust to the Ukraine invasion?”
In the article, Ambassador Hare discusses China’s potential role as a global diplomatic playmaker, particularly in the context of the Ukraine invasion by Russia. He highlights China’s previous influence in Ukraine as an ally and leading trading partner, as well as their efforts to balance territorial ambitions and reinforce global trade and investment links.
Ambassador Hare explains that following Russia’s invasion, China initially supported Russia’s claims but has since scaled back aggressive messaging and started rebuilding bridges with NATO and EU countries. However, China’s diplomatic messages on the Ukraine conflict have not resonated with many states, especially in the Global South, indicating limited diplomatic influence. Therefore, China has proposed a peace plan for Ukraine and has engaged in dialogue with various parties involved, but other countries like Saudi Arabia and Brazil are also actively mediating. Professor Hare concludes with the idea that China’s diplomatic strategy and influence in resolving the Ukraine conflict remain uncertain, but a diplomatically consequential China is seen as beneficial for global harmony.
Read the full article here.
Ambassador Paul Hare was a British diplomat for 30 years and the British ambassador to Cuba from 2001-04. He now teaches classes at Boston University on Diplomatic Practice, Arms Control, Intercultural Communication, and on Cuba in Transition. His novel, “Moncada — A Cuban Story,” set in modern Cuba, was published in 2010. His book, “Making Diplomacy Work; Intelligent Innovation for the Modern World” was published in 2015. Learn more about him here.