China has more diplomatic posts globally than the US, and grew its lead in 2020

In the global race for diplomatic and economic influence, China continues to try to outdo the United States. A big part of that influence is simply having a physical presence around the world — and China is at the top.

In 2019, China surpassed the United States as the country with the greatest number of diplomatic posts around the world, with 276 to America’s 273. As of September 2020, the U.S. State Department had 276 embassies, consulates, missions, and offices in 195 different countries, while China continued to grow its lead and currently lists 282 embassies, consulates, and missions around the world.

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