ABSTRACT
Building on the conceptual frameworks developed in the introduction of this volume, this chapter starts from the premise that influence is relational rather than causal or linear. By examining the evolving relational influence in four areas of diplomacy in China–Africa relations, namely forum diplomacy, media, cultural, and party-to-party diplomacy, the chapter demonstrates that influence is relational rather than causal or linear and that it requires looking at the influence-seeking actor as well as the targeted actor both at the same time. The chapter concurs with Fung et al. (this volume) that it is easier to see or operationalize influence where interests of influence-seeking actors do not align or match the interests of the target actors. The chapter finds that overall, a relational approach to understanding influence is more appropriate in China–Africa relations because African actors are also able to diffuse norms, exercise pressure on Beijing to change policy position (regarding debt restructuring as an example), and influence their Chinese counterparts. Adopting a relational framework of influence enables us to see the dynamic process of influence-seeking actors themselves becoming the subject of influence-seeking. In addition, the chapter also finds, in congruence with Fung et al. (2023) that intermediaries as well as domestic institutions of targeted countries play an important role in amplifying, challenging, or resisting pressures from the influence-seeking actors.
