China takes care of its diplomats and its influence in the world

The Chinese regime has made its diplomacy a top priority, to expand its influence across the world. And this requires privileged treatment of its diplomats.

A very rare measure was decided by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs: an increase of $1,000 per month for all Chinese diplomats posted abroad, in consulates and embassies. This concerns all staff at all levels. This information, revealed by the South China Morning Post, has not been denied by the authorities.

1,000 euros more each month is considerable in a country where civil servants’ salaries are not very high. And above all, this measure contrasts with the situation of other ministries: they must tighten their belts. With economic difficulties, some provinces have even decided to reduce certain salaries. These 1,000 euros confirm that diplomacy is indeed a national priority as a tool of influence throughout the world. In 2024, the Foreign Affairs budget increased by 23%, to $26 billion.

China has the densest network in the world with 274 establishments, ahead of the United States which has 271 diplomatic posts. In terms of the number of embassies and consulates, China leads in Africa, East Asia, Central Asia and the Pacific Islands.

This presence allows China to find new outlets for its major “New Silk Roads” project, but also to obtain new support on the question of Taiwan. Beijing does not hesitate to invest diplomatically in very small countries, and it works. One of the latest examples: In January, the small Pacific island state of Nauru broke away from Taiwan and established ties with China.