The Principles of Persuasive Communication and Rhetorical Elements in Chinese Diplomatic Speeches

Authors

  • Li Lin

    School of Multimedia Technology and Communication, Universiti Utara Malaysia, Sintok 06010, Malaysia
  • Azlina Kamaruddin

    School of Multimedia Technology and Communication, Universiti Utara Malaysia, Sintok 06010, Malaysia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.30564/fls.v7i12.12073
Received: 12 September 2025 | Revised: 23 October 2025 | Accepted: 24 October 2025 | Published Online: 26 December 2025

Abstract

This study examines the persuasive communication strategies presented in the Chinese diplomatic speeches. This study focuses on the rhetorical elements that shape China's international narrative from 2023 to 2025. In the context of increasing geopolitical rivalry and evolving global power structures, diplomatic speeches serve as strategic tools to influence international perceptions, advance China's foreign policy, and assert normative leadership. Despite the increasing scholarly focus on Chinese diplomacy, there is a paucity of research that systematically combines classical rhetoric, modern persuasion theory, and metaphor analysis in the realm of non-Western political communication. This study employs a qualitative research design based on Braun and Clarke’s thematic analysis framework, examining a purposive sample of fifteen official speeches translated from Mandarin to English. The analysis is grounded in a triangulated theoretical model that integrates Aristotle' s rhetorical appeals (ethos, pathos, and logos), Cialdini' s principles of persuasion (such as reciprocity, unity, and authority), and Lakoff and Johnson' s conceptual metaphor theory. Ten fundamental themes are recognised across three dimensions: fostering mutual respect and peaceful collaboration, contextualising development and regional involvement, and enhancing multilateralism and solidarity in the Global South. The findings underscore diplomatic strategic employment of emotionally evocative metaphors (e.g., "journey", "bridge"), ethical appeals, and rational discourse to bolster China's portrayal as a cooperative and altruistic global participant. The study presents a novel analytical framework for analysing state-led diplomatic rhetoric in authoritarian settings and provides theoretical and practical insights into the influence of persuasive discourse on global narratives and international norms. Future research ought to examine audience reception and perform cross-national comparisons to assess rhetorical impact and adaptability across political systems.

Keywords:

Chinese Diplomatic Speeches; Political Leadership; Diplomatic Communication; Political Rhetorical and Persuasive Communication

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How to Cite

Lin, L., & Kamaruddin, A. (2025). The Principles of Persuasive Communication and Rhetorical Elements in Chinese Diplomatic Speeches. Forum for Linguistic Studies, 7(12), 1930–1941. https://doi.org/10.30564/fls.v7i12.12073

Issue

Vol. 7 , Iss. 12 (December 2025): In progress

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Article

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Copyright © 2025 Li Lin, Azlina Kamaruddin

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This is an open access article under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0) License.