The country's economic might gives it plenty of political clout in the global arena, largely because everyone wants to be its ally for trading purposes or to win approved destination status to allow Chinese tourists to visit. As a result it maintains good relations with the rest of the world in general, despite certain sensitive issues that were focused upon during the run-up to the Olympics in 2008. President Hu Jintao's trip to Japan in May 2008, the first state visit in a decade, is evidence of efforts between the two countries to improve their relations, which continually fluctuate on issues dealing with Japan's pre-second world war invasion of China.

China is a member of international organisations including the UN, the International Monetary Fund and Unesco, and is one of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council. It is also a member of the G-77 coalition of developing nations, and although not a member, Chinese president Hu Jintao has addressed outreach sessions of G8 several times. China is a member of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum, a body comprising Pacific Rim countries, and an observer of the Non-Aligned Movement. It has tended to take a back seat in international affairs, but is beginning to play a more active role, particularly as peace-broker in international wrangles involving the likes of North Korea and Iran. There are nearly 50 foreign consulates in Shanghai. These are mostly located around Nanjing Lu, Yan’an Lu, Huaihai Lu and Fuxing Lu, all in Puxi.­­­­­­­­