Naval diplomacy with Chinese characteristics? A study of the People's Liberation Army's naval practices

Abstract

This dissertation delves into the People's Liberation Army Navy's (PLAN) naval diplomacy. It seeks to provide further understanding on the particularities of Chinese naval diplomacy, discussing trends, objectives and the aspects that make it singular. It is a longitudinal research, studying the naval diplomatic activities carried out by the Chinese navy in the years of 1990, 1995, 2000, 2005, 2010, 2015 and 2020. The research draws from J.J. Widen's (2011) contribution, in order to clearly define Naval Diplomacy and to determine a methodology that allows for its systematical study. Analysing previously existing records of Chinese naval diplomatic activities, and examining reports from online news outlets, a new database is constructed for the purpose of this study. This research identifies that there is an expansion in the number and scope of activities throughout these years. It also identifies that the majority of China's naval diplomatic activities are supportive in their aim, while the preferred means are Escort Task Forces. Nevertheless, varying strategies are identified for the different geographical context. Lastly, some of the characteristics that make China's approach unique are determined to be its close integration with the broader foreign-policy mechanisms, its hierarchical...