The distinction in basic terms between the old and new diplomacy is clearly hyperbolized. This distinction is more connected with the style and method rather than the essence of its functionality. The real change that can be addressed is that the exterior of diplomacy is in continuous renewal, because the bottom of diplomacy stays the same, like human nature, the nation states will have only one way to resolve their differences between them, and the word of an honest man is always the best tool that a government may serve to deliver their points of view.
In other words, there is a distinction between two periods of diplomatic activity and its methods, yet, it can be argued that the essence of its functionality remains and conjuncts both periods nowadays.
In 2008, the pro-Tibet attacks in Paris during the Olympic Torch relay triggered a tense atmosphere in Sino-French relations. There were several boycotts to French products made by Chinese people. Instead of directly deal with any Chinese member of state (so called New diplomacy), the French president Nicolas Sarkozy wrote a letter of support and sympathy to the Chinese athlete who had carried the Olympic torch. The tension was intensified when Sarkozy met Dalai Lama in Poland. The media of both countries suggested (speculation) that the Sino-French relations were breaking apart, while ambassadors of both countries had been meeting the respective working-place government to deal with the euphoric situation (Old Diplomacy). Both governments agreed that the whole situation was magnified by the media and that Sino-French relations were never undermined.
In this situation it can be affirmed that both “diplomacies” were represented. The new diplomacy was made by the media when magnified the meeting between Sarkozy and Dalai Lama while the old diplomacy had been in practice when the ambassadors had their meetings. Which demonstrates the relevance of old diplomacy conjucted with new methods (New diplomacy)
"The new diplomacy is in my opinion a contemporary cherry in a traditional made cake." I love that! It's so appropriate to our times, mixing old with new. Over the Tibet situation we have to wonder why there aren't any governments trying to resolve the situation. I do realise that China is an economic power but how can we preach democracy and human rights for all while we stand by and not do anything about this problem?
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