China must forge partnerships with strategic pivots, or nations with which it has stable relations, to extend its influence

As an emerging power that faces competition and even efforts at containment by the existing powers, China has reached a stage where it needs to adopt an innovative diplomatic strategy. To begin with, it should forge partnerships with strategic pivot states - that is, states with which it has stable relations, including political and mutual understanding - which can withstand international pressure to a large extent.

For China, a non-aligned country, a strategic pivot is different from an ally. Strategic pivots don't need a formal, binding treaty; they only need to agree with each other on major strategies and to be able to manage their conflicts. And since strategic pivots are not exclusive, China could choose one or more strategic pivots in important regions to meet its strategic needs.