Since the 1990s, China's outbound tourism has rapidly increased. By 2002, China's tourism outlay became the seventh in the world at US$1.31 billion, boosting the economies and employment in other countries. Therefore, tourism has become an important leverage for China's foreign relations and a so-called ”tourism-based diplomacy” has formed. This ”promoting politics through economics” model not only conforms with concepts of ”greatest country diplomacy” and ”peaceful rise” but also improves China's partnerships, helps China draw near to ASEAN countries, and strengthens neighborly relations. This phenomenon has led to China's greater country vision and effectively maintained China's leadership position among third world countries. Although this tourism-based diplomacy is based on demand for tourism, the role played by national tourism administration is undeniably limited. The foreign affairs bureau is the real decision-maker.