Subnational Diplomacy (chiiki gaikō 地域外交) refers to relations carried out between polities subordinate to the national government such as states, provinces, cities, etc. A common example of subnational diplomacy are sister-city programs between cities in different countries. Lately, subnational diplomacy has been expanding to include international business ties and technology sharing. Okinawa Prefecture has been incorporating subnational diplomacy in prefectural plans since its 2008 "21st Vision for Okinawa Plan." In 2023, Okinawa established the Office for Promoting Subnational Diplomacy under the governor's office. In addition to chiiki gaikō, the phrase jichitai gaikō (自治体外交) can also be used to refer to diplomacy carried out at the subnational level.
Meridian International Center
All Diplomacy is Local - The Advent of Subnational Diplomacy
Sigur Center for Asian Studies, George Washington University, Washington D.C.
Okinawa’s Subnational Diplomacy: Promoting Cooperation and Preventing Conflict in East Asia
US-Asia Institute
Subnational Diplomacy: Examples from China and Japan
