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