China’s economy is facing the danger of collapse. While the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) authorities have repeatedly claimed the need to “tighten our belts,” insiders revealed that the CCP has decided to increase the monthly salary of foreign diplomats stationed abroad by over $1000. Analysts believe that this move by Beijing aims to appease overseas personnel and assign more weighty tasks to Chinese diplomats.
According to a report by the Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post on the 19th, insiders revealed that this spring, Chinese diplomats stationed overseas received significant salary increases.
The report quoted multiple sources as saying that the salary of Chinese diplomats stationed abroad, regardless of their location or rank, has been raised by over $1000 per month. Due to the sensitivity of the matter, the insiders refused to disclose their names.
At a time when various levels of the CCP government are calling for austerity measures, the increase in the monthly salary of Chinese diplomats abroad by $1000 is seen as rare and highly unusual by outsiders.
Claus Soong, an analyst at the Mercator Institute for China Studies in Berlin, commented that the current Chinese government is facing financial constraints and economic downturn, yet it significantly raised the salaries of diplomats stationed abroad, a move that is highly unusual.
He pointed out that it is apparent that the authorities believe that the role played by Chinese diplomats stationed abroad is becoming increasingly important and demanding, especially given the current political situation. They are seen as more valuable.
Soong mentioned that according to Beijing’s strategic direction, diplomats are becoming more crucial not only in dealing with US-China relations, but also with Europe and other open countries. “Beijing needs to gain public confidence in the foreign affairs department,” he said.
He added that the substantial increase in this year’s budget indicates the growing importance of diplomacy in China’s overall strategic direction.
According to the budget report released by the CCP government, the foreign affairs budget allocated this year reached 194 billion yuan, a 23% increase from the previous year.
While China’s defense budget increased by 7.2% this year and the public budget only increased by 4%, the 23% increase in the foreign affairs budget stands out significantly.
责任编辑: 方晓