China's global diplomatic initiatives have been gaining considerable traction, primarily spearheaded by President Xi Jinping's intriguing approach of 'letter diplomacy' and the nation's strategic role within the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). This approach not only highlights China's contributions to international cooperation but also reflects its ambition to nurture relationships with international partners across diverse regions and frameworks.
Serving at the helm of such diplomatic endeavors, Zhang Ming, the outgoing secretary-general of the SCO, encapsulated his experiences over the past three years succinctly: with gratitude, delight, and hope. "Serving as the SCO's secretary-general is an honor," Zhang expressed during his reflection on his tenure, recognizing the immense duty his position carried. Zhang's reflections come at the time when China, with its influential role, assumes the SCO's rotating presidency and plans to host several significant SCO meetings, including next year’s anticipated summit.
From its initial six member states two decades ago, the SCO has flourished to envelop ten full members, alongside observer states and dialogue partners. This expansion is emblematic of broadening appeal, as individuals such as Zhang have attested to, noting the copious applications eager to join this "big SCO family." On this development, Zhang remarked, "We have always stood for fairness, respect, and equality," emphasizing the "Shanghai Spirit"—a shared ethos promoting mutual trust and benefit.
Over the years, the SCO has organized numerous events including summits, ministerial meetings, and cooperative efforts with international bodies such as the League of Arab States and the United Nations Environment Programme. This extensive engagement stems from the foundational principles and vision laid out by the organization's charter which, according to Zhang, continues to thrive and adapt to modern challenges. "The future of the SCO is full of hope," he said, alluding to its vast potential to modernize and revolutionize member states' economic landscapes.
Central to China's diplomatic strategy is its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which remains instrumental to its engagement with countries across Asia, Africa, and beyond. This initiative has seen China bridge infrastructural gaps particularly for landlocked countries within the SCO by developing roads and railways, effectively addressing crippling isolation challenges. SCO member states, as beneficiaries of the BRI, have noted substantial economic upticks, underscoring the transformative potential of such collaborations.
Among these international dialogues, Xi Jinping's unique 'letter diplomacy' emerges as another effective tool. A correspondent from Tanzania, Humphrey Moshi, expressed his elation upon receiving a personal letter from Xi: "The reply from President Xi was the greatest surprise of the year to me." Moshi, along with other African scholars, had jointly written to praise the successful plenary sessions held by the Communist Party of China, epitomizing the growing scholarly dialogue entrenched by Xi's missives.
Xi's personal touch extends to Kenyan students as well, who, enamored by the promise of educational and infrastructural upliftment, wrote to him. Xi's heartfelt encouragement—"Looking ahead, the magnificent picture of the Belt and Road Initiative and the grand blueprint of the China-Kenya comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership need more promising young people to realize"—impelled students like Vicky Wangechi Wangari and Jamlick Mwangi Kariuki to actively participate and contribute toward Sino-Kenya collaboration.
This optimism isn’t limited to East Africa. Over in Serbia, the renaissance of the Smederevo Steel Plant, rejuvenated by Chinese partnership, stands as testimony to cross-border collaboration driven by Xi's early assurance to plant workers: "The plant will surely be revitalized." This sentiment shared by Nenad Cvetanovic reflects China’s impactful role beyond its borders, rejuvenated by synergies between countries like Serbia under challenging economic conditions.
Xi's 'letter diplomacy' has emerged as more than symbolic gestures—it’s indicative of China's commitment to forge stronger ties with various Global South nations. Prior to his state visit to Brazil, Xi corresponded with various Brazilian stakeholders, bolstering China-Brazil partnerships. Enrique Teixeira, among those to whom Xi responded, interpreted the message as acknowledgment of enduring friendships, echoing Xi’s vision for proactive engagement within the Global South, aiming for enduring modernization.
Both China and Brazil mark themselves as beacon players within the Global South, with shared interests spanning agriculture, technology, and infrastructure. These interactions underline the pivotal role such diplomacy plays, not only for bilateral ties but as templates for South-South cooperative frameworks.
Another focal point of China's outreach is its emphasis on youth engagement as agents of future diplomacy. Xi's encouragement of Emirati students to immerse themselves within Chinese culture showcases this principle. The 'Hundred Schools Project,' aimed at bridging educational modalities, is one such initiative where young UAE students learn the Chinese language and engage directly with Chinese cultural paradigms.
Across the Pacific, at Kean University, President Lamont Repollet similarly resonates with Xi's advocacy for young people as cultural ambassadors. Repollet commended the exchanges facilitated by institutions such as Wenzhou-Kean University, asserting the importance of cultural immersion as the bedrock for long-lasting bilateral relationships. The projected invitation of 50,000 young Americans to engage with China through educational placements over the next five years signals China’s strategic focus on nurturing this bilateral dynamic.
These diplomatic engagements, underscored by initiatives like the BRI and SCO, show no signs of faltering as they continually redefine and strengthen China's position on the global stage. With governance approaches balancing both grand strategic ambitions and personal diplomatic gestures, China seems well-positioned to maintain its influential foothold and to steer its comprehensive foreign policy successfully.
