RESEARCH AND COMMENTARY

Through its publications, INSS provides rigorous, forward‑looking research and analysis on critical national security issues that support the joint warfighter and inform Department of War decision‑makers.

 
News | July 16, 2026

From Pandemic to Purges: China's Military Diplomacy from 2018 to 2025

By Dr. Phil Saunders and Samuel King China Military Studies Review

The China Military Studies Review has published “From Pandemic to Purges: China's Military Diplomacy from 2018 to 2025” by INSS China Center Director Dr. Phillip Saunders and research intern Samuel King. Drawing on a newly updated NDU database, the article examines patterns in Chinese military engagements, documenting a steep COVID-19 related decline from 2020-2022, followed by a partial rebound after 2023. The analysis traces the impact of ongoing PLA purges, which produced a significant drop in senior leader engagements in 2025. The newly updated NDU database is available here.

Abstract: The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) uses military diplomacy to support Chinese foreign policy, build positive relations with other militaries, and promote modernization. This article draws on a National Defense University dataset that tracks all PLA senior officer meetings with foreign counterparts, combined military exercises, and overseas port calls by PLA Navy ships from 2002 to 2025. It documents a steep COVID-19 related decline in military diplomatic engagements from 2020 to 2022, followed by a rebound after 2023.  There was a significant drop in senior leader engagements in 2025 due to ongoing PLA purges, which will curtail Chinese military diplomacy until permanent replacements are named.

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China People’s Liberation Army PLA Military diplomacy Corruption COVID-19 pandemic combined exercises port calls