China is now country with most diplomatic posts around the world. Diplomatic posts are embassies, consulates, high commissions and other places to represent country overseas. China overtook USA as the country with the most diplomatic posts. China now has 276 diplomatic posts globally, while the USA has 273. The two countries have equal number of embassies, but China has more consulates than U.S. China overtook USA as most diplomatically represented country after it opened five new embassies in past two years. The embassies are in Burkina Faso, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Gambia and Sao Tome and the Principe.
Information about how many diplomatic posts countries have was published by organization called Lowy Institute. Its report is called Global Diplomacy Index. Bonnie Bley, spokeswoman from the Lowy Institute, said the Index shows how China is having more influence around world. She said number of China's diplomatic posts shows it wants to be key player in geopolitics and the global economy. Ms Bley said: " results suggest that, on practical level, China's network of overseas consulates can support the rollout of Beijing's economic ambitions." While China is expanding its diplomatic presence around the world, Ms Bley said: "U.S. diplomacy has entered period of limbo".
