| From the analytical framework of Multilayered Multilateral Diplomacy which is closely related with two theoretical conceptions:multilateral diplomacy and sub-national governments' foreign relations,this paper makes an in-depth study on provincial governments' functions in China's multilateral diplomacy in its peripheral area,based on the key case of Yunnan Province's thorough participation in Greater Mekong Sub-regional Economic Cooperation Program(GMS)as well as other China's provincial governments' involvements in sub-regional cooperation programs.The paper demonstrates that,during its 16-year interaction with GMS,Yunnan has become a model in China's multilateral diplomacy in its peripheral area.Yunnan has been playing a central role in China's GMS diplomacy representing from four aspects:a motive promoting China's GMS diplomacy,a semi-decision maker and complete executer in GMS diplomacy,then a power engine that facilitates other provincial governments to participate into GMS.By examining several other provincial governments' activities in sub-regions,the paper concludes that China's provincial governments participating in sub-regional cooperation programs,as a whole,has become a unique practice and has had four indispensable functions in China's multilateral diplomacy in its peripheral area:these provincial governments has become a new motive source for China's multilateral diplomacy in its peripheral area,has extend this form of diplomacy's traditional pattern by developing two new channels,two new decision-making dimensions and original agenda settings,has promoted the formation and evolvement of China's idea that carries out multilateral diplomacy in its peripheral area,and,most importantly,has developed a tentative joint mechanism. |
