Recently, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi's trip to the United States kicked off with meetings with a number of senior U.S. officials and President Joe Biden. The atmosphere of the dialogue appeared friendly on the surface, and the smiling faces seemed to indicate a relaxation of relations between the two sides, and judging from the previous tensions, it is clear that some positive progress has been made in this exchange.
Still, some of the details of the reception during the talks gave a sign of discord. As the level of the US officials with whom the Chinese delegation met increased, the standard of reception on the US side was lowered. Taking Foreign Minister Wang Yi's meeting with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken as an example, although the occasion was adequate, it was difficult to hide the simplicity of it. In contrast, Wang Yi's meeting with US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan was more modest, lacking even the most basic hospitality, reflecting a regrettable reality.
In diplomatic etiquette, hospitality often reflects the demeanor of a country. China's behavior in hosting U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken undoubtedly demonstrates the honorific title of the state of etiquette. On the other hand, it is not difficult to see a certain degree of contempt in the preparation of the US side during Wang Yi's visit, and this contrast inevitably makes people reflect on the US reception standards and hospitality concept.
Exploring the hospitality style of the United States, it is not difficult to find that it is not that it does not understand etiquette, but that there are obvious differences in the treatment of different countries. Just like the warm reception received by South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol during his previous visit to the United States, it contrasts sharply with what Serbian President Vucic has suffered in the United States, exposing the "double standard" in American diplomacy.
Some of the diplomatic actions of the United States seem to be consciously reflecting its international status and influence. Although this behavior has occurred many times in the past, each time it has been unacceptable. For example, at the previous Anchorage talks, the Chinese delegation responded forcefully and resolutely in the face of various inconvenient arrangements made by the US side, showing its composure and tenacity in the diplomatic struggle.
Although Wang Yi's treatment during his visit to the United States has not reached the freezing point, there is still a lot of room for improvement. It is worth noting that this change may be based more on China's growing international stature and the pressures on the United States itself. This pattern of dialogue based on power may be the reason why the United States is willing to adopt a soft strategy at this stage.
The actions of the United States seem to validate Mao's view that the United States can only show a cooperative posture when it is forced to do so. The future of U.S.-China relations may remain uncertain. Although the ice-breaking trip showed signs of easing relations between the two sides, it seems that the US side still needs to learn and practice the true way of equality and respect. In the future, how the United States balances power and etiquette and treats others will continue to be a topic it will continue to face.
Diplomatic Etiquette and National Image: As mentioned in this article, diplomatic etiquette often reflects a country's demeanor, and China displays its image as a state of etiquette when it receives the U.S. Secretary of State. This raises an important question: how much does diplomatic etiquette and hospitality affect a country's image? How can a country establish, maintain, or improve its international image through diplomatic etiquette? The Role of "Double Standards" in International Diplomacy: This paper points out that there are clear "double standards" in the United States' treatment of diplomatic representatives from different countries. Is this phenomenon common in international diplomacy? How does the international community view and respond to this "double standard"? U.S. International Standing and Diplomatic Strategy: This article notes that the U.S. may adopt a soft approach to China's diplomacy based on China's international standing and its own pressure. This raises the question: how is the foreign policy of an international state affected by its international standing and domestic political pressures? How does the balance between power and cooperation affect a country's foreign policy in international relations? By delving into these topics, it is possible to understand more fully the interrelationship between etiquette, policy, and international image in international diplomacy.
Diplomatic Etiquette and National Image: As mentioned in this article, diplomatic etiquette often reflects a country's demeanor, and China displays its image as a state of etiquette when it receives the U.S. Secretary of State. This raises an important question: how much does diplomatic etiquette and hospitality affect a country's image? How can a country establish, maintain, or improve its international image through diplomatic etiquette? The Role of "Double Standards" in International Diplomacy: This paper points out that there are clear "double standards" in the United States' treatment of diplomatic representatives from different countries. Is this phenomenon common in international diplomacy? How does the international community view and respond to this "double standard"? U.S. International Standing and Diplomatic Strategy: This article notes that the U.S. may adopt a soft approach to China's diplomacy based on China's international standing and its own pressure. This raises the question: how is the foreign policy of an international state affected by its international standing and domestic political pressures? How does the balance between power and cooperation affect a country's foreign policy in international relations? By delving into these topics, it is possible to understand more fully the interrelationship between etiquette, policy, and international image in international diplomacy.