Individual Level

At the individual level, the lack of diverse professional backgrounds among FAO Xi’an cadres has a direct impact on staff. Many officers rely heavily on language or administrative skills, which may limit their ability to engage in complex negotiations, provide in-depth policy advice, or respond effectively to unexpected challenges. This situation can lead to role stress and reduced job satisfaction among staff, while also creating barriers for foreign partners who expect more comprehensive and strategic dialogue. Ultimately, it affects the quality of personal interactions, where the success of city diplomacy often depends on the competence and adaptability of individual cadres.

State Level

At the state level, this issue influences how local governments implement national foreign policy and safeguard national interests. When cadres lack multidisciplinary expertise, the Foreign Affairs Office may focus primarily on routine protocol and translation tasks, rather than proactively identifying opportunities to align city initiatives with national strategies. This can result in gaps between central-level policy objectives and local-level execution, weakening policy coherence. Furthermore, limited analytical capacity may restrict the office’s role in supporting broader national security concerns, such as managing sensitive cultural exchanges, digital economy cooperation, or relations with foreign NGOs.

International System Level

At the international system level, the limitations of staff expertise affect how Xi’an positions itself within global networks of cooperation and competition. In today’s interconnected world, cities are increasingly recognized as actors in diplomacy, economy, and culture. Without cadres who possess a wide range of international relations knowledge, Xi’an may struggle to maximize its role in building partnerships, shaping international dialogues, or contributing to global problem-solving in areas such as climate change, digital governance, or trade. This not only reduces the city’s international visibility but also limits its ability to contribute effectively to broader patterns of global cooperation and mutual understanding.