The Practice of Managed Visibility: Insights into China’s Frontline Diplomacy from Two European Capitals

Abstract

Summary The People’s Republic of China has the world’s largest diplomatic network with a total of 274 missions. Yet little is known about how Chinese diplomats engage in bilateral diplomatic communities. The often-alleged reserve of Chinese diplomats towards their diplomatic peers is particularly curious. This article adds two case studies to our understanding of China’s frontline diplomacy. Based on semi-structured interviews and observation, the article explores in-person interactions between Chinese and foreign diplomats in two European capitals. It finds remarkably different degrees of social engagement in Ankara and Oslo. I therefore propose the term ‘managed visibility’ as a carefully implemented practice driven by contextual bilateral factors. My findings suggest that (i) the diplomatic repertoire of Chinese diplomats is larger and more adaptive than generally assumed; (ii) the practices of Chinese diplomats profoundly influence foreign diplomats’ perceptions of China; and (iii) sociable interactions among diplomats are becoming increasingly securitized.