China boosts diplomatic budget by 9.3% as US leaves 'fiscal void'

China is increasing its diplomatic budget by 9.3 per cent, the largest rise in three years, signalling plans to strengthen its geopolitical influence amid global instability, analysts said. Dylan Loh, an associate professor of foreign policy at Singapore's NTU, said the increase reflects Beijing’s ambition to consolidate its global influence and deepen ties with Global South countries. “This shows that Beijing views the current era of global tension not merely as a security challenge but as an important window to consolidate its Global South leadership and institutionalise its own norms,” he said.

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