The greatest discourse of 21st-century international politics is undoubtedly the conflict between the United States and China. We are exposed daily to news about trade wars, tech hegemony battles, and military tensions. However, behind all this turmoil, there is a battlefield that moves quietly but far more lethally. It is ‘diplomatic strategy.’
In the past, China’s diplomacy was characterized by Taoguangyanghui (韬光养晦, hiding one’s capabilities and biding one’s time). This was a period when they kept a low profile before the US and built up their strength. However, since President Xi Jinping took power, China’s diplomacy has completely transformed. It has moved beyond Yousuoweiwei (有所作为, actively participating and achieving results) to full-blown ‘Wolf Warrior Diplomacy’ (战狼外交, aggressive and confrontational diplomacy).
The question is: “What substantial impact is this aggressive and sophisticated diplomatic strategy of China having on the United States?”
It’s not just about “America feeling uncomfortable.” China’s diplomatic strategy is shaking the very foundation of the global order established by the US since World War II—’Pax Americana’ (American Peace). In this column, we will delve into three concrete and controversial impacts of China’s diplomatic strategy on American hegemony.
First Strike: Cracking the Alliances – Neutralizing America’s Most Powerful Weapon
The core of US hegemony lies in its alliance system. Alliances that densely connect the globe, such as NATO, Quad, and AUKUS, are the source of America’s military and political influence.
China’s diplomatic strategy probes the weakest links of these alliances. The core tools are ‘economic incentives’ and ‘coercion.’ Using its vast market and capital (via the Belt and Road Initiative) as a weapon, China forces America’s allies to choose between “the US or China.”
This leads to a heated debate.
“US allies will ultimately choose the US, with which they share democratic values. China’s economic coercion is only temporary.” (Optimism Centered on the US)
“No. Allies also care about practical benefits. As economic relations with China deepen, it becomes increasingly difficult for them to actively participate in the US policy of containment. The alliances are gradually becoming neutralized.” (Realism Centered on China)
Indeed, some European countries and Southeast Asian nations show lukewarm attitudes towards US export controls on China or military drills. China’s diplomacy is countering America’s strategy of mobilizing allies to isolate China with a counter-strategy: isolating the US by making allies feel alienated or by leading them to chase practical economic benefits.
Second Strike: Co-opting the ‘Global South’ – Breaking Down America’s Moral Leadership
The United States has long championed itself as the ‘defender of liberal democracy’ and presented human rights and the rule of law as the standards for international order. However, China’s diplomatic strategy points out the hypocrisy of this ‘American-style value diplomacy’ and co-opts countries of the ‘Global South’ (developing nations) in Asia, Africa, and South America.
China’s logic is simple and powerful: “We will not interfere in your political system or human rights issues. Instead, we will build roads and ports and develop your economy.”
This is an irresistible offer for autocratic regimes or authoritarian states in developing nations that resent America, which uses human rights issues as a condition for aid.
This raises a second, and most moral, debate.
“The US must protect the universal human values of democracy and human rights. China’s diplomacy only reinforces dictatorship.” (Value-Oriented Diplomacy)
“Morality is an illusion in international politics. What developing nations need immediately is bread, not an abstract concept like democracy. China is meeting realistic needs that America’s value diplomacy cannot reach, and as a result, the US is losing influence in the Global South.” (Interest-Oriented Diplomacy)
In international organizations like the UN, China also rallies the votes of these countries to weaken US influence. While the US is constrained by the value of democracy, China is pulling the vast majority of the global population—in developing nations—out of the American sphere of influence through a diplomatic strategy that is thoroughly realistic and focused on ‘development’ and ‘non-interference.’
Third Strike: Reshaping International Standards – Tearing Down America’s Technological and Economic Hegemony
Diplomacy of the past focused on territory and military, but modern diplomacy fights over ‘standards.’ He who preempts the standards for future industries—such as 5G, AI, electric vehicles, and digital currency—determines economic hegemony.
The US has long dominated the global technology standards and financial system (dollar hegemony). China’s diplomatic strategy aims to change this standard. It implants Chinese technology and equipment in developing nations through the ‘Belt and Road’ project and challenges the dollar-centric international payment system through the ‘digital yuan.’
This generates a third, and most technical, debate.
“Chinese technology cannot keep up with American technology. Dollar hegemony is solid.” (Maintenance of US Hegemony Theory)
“China has already caught up to or become equal with the US in certain fields (5G, batteries, etc.) based on its vast data and full government support. If developing nations adopt China’s technical standards, American companies will be pushed out of those markets. This will cut the economic lifeline of the US.” (Threat of Chinese Technology Theory)
China’s diplomacy is not just about selling products; it is a strategy to export a ‘China-centric technology and economic ecosystem’ to the world. This constitutes a structural threat that goes beyond mere competition; it aims to replace America’s economic system entirely.
Conclusion: The Red Dragon’s Diplomacy, A Time Bomb for ‘Pax Americana’
The answer to the question “What impact is China’s diplomatic strategy having on the United States?” is clear. “It is simultaneously and sophisticatedly tearing down the three pillars (alliances, moral leadership, and economic/technical standards) that support US hegemony.”
Wolf Warrior Diplomacy is not just about harsh rhetoric. It is a highly calculated diplomacy of ‘usurping hegemony’ that fractures America’s alliances, ridicules America’s moral authority, and encroaches upon America’s economic territory.
We should no longer view the US-China conflict simply as a trade balance or a military comparison. We must pay attention to the global tectonic shifts created by China’s diplomatic strategy. The diplomatic strategy of the red dragon is pulling up, one by one, the carpets that America has laid down on the stage of ‘Pax Americana.’ If the United States cannot find a specific and realistic diplomatic breakthrough beyond its conventional response of value diplomacy, the ‘American Era’ might come to an end much faster than we think.