China’s leadership has used a succession of recent royal visits to amplify its preferred narrative of stability, trustworthiness and long-term partnership at a moment when it seeks to counterbalance perceptions of geopolitical tension and economic uncertainty. The arrivals of Thailand’s King Maha Vajiralongkorn and Queen Suthida, followed closely by Spain’s King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia, were orchestrated in a way that allowed Beijing to reinforce an image of itself as a consistent and dependable power in a shifting global environment. These visits were not isolated ceremonial events; they formed part of a broader diplomatic strategy that seeks to strengthen China’s standing as a partner able to provide predictability amid global volatility.
A Carefully Orchestrated Display of Stability and Continuity
The red-carpet reception for Thailand’s monarch marked a symbolic moment for Beijing, which framed the visit as proof of enduring trust between two nations that once viewed each other with suspicion. China’s state media highlighted not only the ceremonial warmth but also the deeper significance of a royal visit occurring during the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties. This allowed Beijing to draw attention to its long-term consistency, particularly compared with shifting foreign policy directions elsewhere. The narrative positioned China as a neighbour that remains steady despite external turbulence.
A similar framing emerged during the visit by Spain’s royal couple, where China emphasised its commitment to strengthening ties with European states amid political fragmentation within the European Union. Spanish engagement offered Beijing an opportunity to highlight itself as a stable economic counterweight at a time when European states are navigating energy uncertainty, industrial restructuring and strategic competition. By aligning the two royal visits within the same week, China amplified the symbolism of continuity, respect and influence across both Asia and Europe.
Underlying this presentation is Beijing’s evolving communication strategy, which increasingly blends ceremonial diplomacy with targeted messaging aimed at reinforcing China’s status as a partner that offers both political respect and economic opportunity. Royal visits, which carry historical and cultural weight, allow China to project an image rooted in tradition while subtly advancing contemporary geopolitical objectives.
Economic Messaging at the Core of Beijing’s Diplomatic Stagecraft
Beyond symbolic gestures, China used the royal visits to underline its economic reliability at a time when global investors and governments are contending with uncertainty. Thailand’s relationship with China offers Beijing an ideal example of economic interdependence. With China serving as Thailand’s top tourism source, a major investor in manufacturing and a critical supplier of goods, the two economies have become increasingly intertwined. Beijing’s emphasis on this integration underscored the idea that China remains a secure trade partner even as global markets face currency volatility and supply chain disruptions.
The timing was equally important. The visits occurred as many countries reassessed relationships with major powers amid shifting tariff regimes, energy disruptions and geopolitical rivalries. By highlighting strong trade flows, investment commitments and supply-chain cooperation, China sought to counter narratives that portray its economy as slowing or unpredictable. In public messaging surrounding the visits, the Chinese government highlighted the resilience of bilateral trade and the potential for expanded cooperation in fields such as renewable energy, technology transfer and green transportation.
Spain’s presence provided added economic relevance. As a member of the eurozone and a gateway to Europe’s Mediterranean economy, Spanish engagement helped reinforce China’s claim to being a constructive economic partner beyond Asia. The symbolism of European royalty in Beijing created a contrast with periods of diplomatic strain between China and various Western governments. Presenting China as a reliable partner during Europe’s economic recalibration allowed Beijing to signal that its commitment to trade openness and investment flows remains intact.
Strategic Positioning as U.S. Influence Appears Less Predictable
China’s portrayal of itself as a reliable partner gained additional weight amid broader uncertainties surrounding U.S. engagement in parts of Asia and Europe. The contrasting styles of diplomacy—between the transactional, policy-shift-prone approach associated with recent U.S. administrations and China’s emphasis on long-term partnerships—gave Beijing an opening to present itself as the steadier actor. For nations navigating global realignments, the symbolism of royal visits reinforced the idea that China maintains relationships with states across political systems and geographic spheres.
Thailand’s evolving geopolitical posture illustrates this shift. Once closely aligned with Washington during the Cold War, Thailand has gradually deepened its economic relationship with China since the 1990s. The visit by King Vajiralongkorn, the first by a Thai monarch in five decades, allowed Beijing to underscore the transformation of bilateral ties from suspicion to strategic cooperation. State media emphasised historical interactions—ranging from ancient trade exchanges to cultural ties—to reinforce the portrayal of China as a long-standing partner rather than a recent strategic opportunist.
Spain’s visit similarly allowed Beijing to demonstrate that its influence extends beyond its immediate region. As European states debate their approaches to China—balancing economic interdependence with political tension—Beijing used the royal visit to highlight a form of engagement grounded in mutual respect and historical continuity. The diplomatic theatre served to counter narratives that focus solely on rivalry or risk, shifting attention toward partnership and shared interests.
China’s messaging strategy consistently underscores a theme of reliability during uncertain times. By presenting itself as a dependable actor in contrast to what it describes as unpredictable Western policy environments, Beijing aims to reassure countries seeking stability in trade, investment and diplomatic relations.
Soft Power, Historical Memory and Symbolism as Strategic Tools
A notable dimension of China’s approach is the incorporation of historical memory into contemporary diplomacy. Officials drew on accounts of trade interactions dating back centuries, framing the current relationship as part of a long civilisational dialogue. By invoking exchanges in commodities such as rice, spices, porcelain and silk, China reinforced cultural continuity and portrayed itself as a nation that values coexistence and shared prosperity. These narratives allowed Beijing to expand the meaning of the royal visits beyond modern geopolitics and into the realm of timeless cultural ties.
China also recalled moments of cooperative support during difficult periods. References to Thailand’s table-tennis delegation visiting China before formal diplomatic relations, and Beijing’s provision of cheaper crude oil in the 1970s to help Thailand ease economic pressure, were highlighted as examples of dependable friendship long before the rise of China as an economic giant. These reminders serve to construct a narrative in which China is a supportive partner regardless of global conditions.
Soft power has become a strategic pillar of Beijing’s international outreach. Royal visits offer a unique stage to showcase cultural diplomacy, reinforce respect for tradition and demonstrate China’s ability to host leaders with ceremonial gravitas. They also provide opportunities for Beijing to counterbalance stories focused on military competition or economic rivalry by foregrounding cooperation, hospitality and shared history.
As Beijing engages in this layered diplomatic messaging, the presence of multiple royal delegations becomes a symbolic reinforcement of China’s preferred image: a partner rooted in cultural depth, capable of long-term commitment and positioned as an anchor of stability amid global flux.
(Source:www.scmp.com)
A Carefully Orchestrated Display of Stability and Continuity
The red-carpet reception for Thailand’s monarch marked a symbolic moment for Beijing, which framed the visit as proof of enduring trust between two nations that once viewed each other with suspicion. China’s state media highlighted not only the ceremonial warmth but also the deeper significance of a royal visit occurring during the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties. This allowed Beijing to draw attention to its long-term consistency, particularly compared with shifting foreign policy directions elsewhere. The narrative positioned China as a neighbour that remains steady despite external turbulence.
A similar framing emerged during the visit by Spain’s royal couple, where China emphasised its commitment to strengthening ties with European states amid political fragmentation within the European Union. Spanish engagement offered Beijing an opportunity to highlight itself as a stable economic counterweight at a time when European states are navigating energy uncertainty, industrial restructuring and strategic competition. By aligning the two royal visits within the same week, China amplified the symbolism of continuity, respect and influence across both Asia and Europe.
Underlying this presentation is Beijing’s evolving communication strategy, which increasingly blends ceremonial diplomacy with targeted messaging aimed at reinforcing China’s status as a partner that offers both political respect and economic opportunity. Royal visits, which carry historical and cultural weight, allow China to project an image rooted in tradition while subtly advancing contemporary geopolitical objectives.
Economic Messaging at the Core of Beijing’s Diplomatic Stagecraft
Beyond symbolic gestures, China used the royal visits to underline its economic reliability at a time when global investors and governments are contending with uncertainty. Thailand’s relationship with China offers Beijing an ideal example of economic interdependence. With China serving as Thailand’s top tourism source, a major investor in manufacturing and a critical supplier of goods, the two economies have become increasingly intertwined. Beijing’s emphasis on this integration underscored the idea that China remains a secure trade partner even as global markets face currency volatility and supply chain disruptions.
The timing was equally important. The visits occurred as many countries reassessed relationships with major powers amid shifting tariff regimes, energy disruptions and geopolitical rivalries. By highlighting strong trade flows, investment commitments and supply-chain cooperation, China sought to counter narratives that portray its economy as slowing or unpredictable. In public messaging surrounding the visits, the Chinese government highlighted the resilience of bilateral trade and the potential for expanded cooperation in fields such as renewable energy, technology transfer and green transportation.
Spain’s presence provided added economic relevance. As a member of the eurozone and a gateway to Europe’s Mediterranean economy, Spanish engagement helped reinforce China’s claim to being a constructive economic partner beyond Asia. The symbolism of European royalty in Beijing created a contrast with periods of diplomatic strain between China and various Western governments. Presenting China as a reliable partner during Europe’s economic recalibration allowed Beijing to signal that its commitment to trade openness and investment flows remains intact.
Strategic Positioning as U.S. Influence Appears Less Predictable
China’s portrayal of itself as a reliable partner gained additional weight amid broader uncertainties surrounding U.S. engagement in parts of Asia and Europe. The contrasting styles of diplomacy—between the transactional, policy-shift-prone approach associated with recent U.S. administrations and China’s emphasis on long-term partnerships—gave Beijing an opening to present itself as the steadier actor. For nations navigating global realignments, the symbolism of royal visits reinforced the idea that China maintains relationships with states across political systems and geographic spheres.
Thailand’s evolving geopolitical posture illustrates this shift. Once closely aligned with Washington during the Cold War, Thailand has gradually deepened its economic relationship with China since the 1990s. The visit by King Vajiralongkorn, the first by a Thai monarch in five decades, allowed Beijing to underscore the transformation of bilateral ties from suspicion to strategic cooperation. State media emphasised historical interactions—ranging from ancient trade exchanges to cultural ties—to reinforce the portrayal of China as a long-standing partner rather than a recent strategic opportunist.
Spain’s visit similarly allowed Beijing to demonstrate that its influence extends beyond its immediate region. As European states debate their approaches to China—balancing economic interdependence with political tension—Beijing used the royal visit to highlight a form of engagement grounded in mutual respect and historical continuity. The diplomatic theatre served to counter narratives that focus solely on rivalry or risk, shifting attention toward partnership and shared interests.
China’s messaging strategy consistently underscores a theme of reliability during uncertain times. By presenting itself as a dependable actor in contrast to what it describes as unpredictable Western policy environments, Beijing aims to reassure countries seeking stability in trade, investment and diplomatic relations.
Soft Power, Historical Memory and Symbolism as Strategic Tools
A notable dimension of China’s approach is the incorporation of historical memory into contemporary diplomacy. Officials drew on accounts of trade interactions dating back centuries, framing the current relationship as part of a long civilisational dialogue. By invoking exchanges in commodities such as rice, spices, porcelain and silk, China reinforced cultural continuity and portrayed itself as a nation that values coexistence and shared prosperity. These narratives allowed Beijing to expand the meaning of the royal visits beyond modern geopolitics and into the realm of timeless cultural ties.
China also recalled moments of cooperative support during difficult periods. References to Thailand’s table-tennis delegation visiting China before formal diplomatic relations, and Beijing’s provision of cheaper crude oil in the 1970s to help Thailand ease economic pressure, were highlighted as examples of dependable friendship long before the rise of China as an economic giant. These reminders serve to construct a narrative in which China is a supportive partner regardless of global conditions.
Soft power has become a strategic pillar of Beijing’s international outreach. Royal visits offer a unique stage to showcase cultural diplomacy, reinforce respect for tradition and demonstrate China’s ability to host leaders with ceremonial gravitas. They also provide opportunities for Beijing to counterbalance stories focused on military competition or economic rivalry by foregrounding cooperation, hospitality and shared history.
As Beijing engages in this layered diplomatic messaging, the presence of multiple royal delegations becomes a symbolic reinforcement of China’s preferred image: a partner rooted in cultural depth, capable of long-term commitment and positioned as an anchor of stability amid global flux.
(Source:www.scmp.com)
