China becomes largest diplomatic power
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China has overtaken the U.S. as the country with the largest diplomatic network, a stark indication of Beijing’s growing international ambitions
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GLOBAL DIPLOMACY INDEX

Rank Country    Posts in 2019*   Posts gained or lost since 2016
1 China 276    +13
2 U.S. 273     +2
3 France 267    0
4 Japan 247    +25
5 Russia 242   -2
6 Turkey 234   +9
7 Germany 224  +5
8 Brazil 222    0
9 Spain 215     3
10 Italy 209    6
11 UK 205      -11
12 India 186    13
13 South Korea 183  4
14 Argentina 157    4
15 Mexico 157      -1


0 50 100 150 200 250 300 

China ranked third behind U.S. 4 and France in 2016, and 4 second by 2017
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Source: Lowy Institute *Includes embassies and consulates © GRAPHIC NEWS