The Chinese Local Governments' International Activities

China's paradiplomacy, or the involvement of local governments in international affairs, has become an integral aspect of the country's foreign relations. Despite China's unitary political system, provinces and municipalities engage in economic diplomacy, trade partnerships, and cultural exchanges. This paper examines the legal frameworks, political structures, and economic drivers that shape China's local government's international activities. It explores the role of the nomenclature system, the political networks of local leaders, and geographical distinctions in determining the extent of subnational foreign engagement. By analyzing the balance between local agency and central oversight, the study argues that China operates under a “controlled autonomy” model, where local initiatives serve national strategic interests while maintaining alignment with the Communist Party's directives. The last part introduces the public discourse in China about the internationalization of local government with a particular focus on city diplomacy.