This study investigates Chinas naval diplomacy in the Mediterranean, defined as the use of threat of limited naval force to achieve political objectives. The aim is to enhance our understanding of China´s presence and activities in the region. Since first entering the Mediterranean in 2011, the People´s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) has conducted port visits, joint naval exercises, and a range of maritime operations. Existing research has primarily focused on China´s assertive behaviour in its immediate neighbourhood, such as the South China Sea, and its support of the Maritime Silk Road which spans multiple continents. However, there is a gap in the literature concerning China´s naval diplomacy in the Mediterranean. This study seeks to address this gap. The research applies Rowland´s model for naval diplomacy to examine selected events, identifying actors involved, the methods employed, and the messages conveyed. By analysing both academic research and news sources, the study reveals that China has employed a combination of soft and hard naval power in the Mediterranean. These efforts support infrastructural investments, strengthen bilateral relations and exert pressure on Nato. Unlike many previous studies that distinguish between either soft or hard power approaches, this study highlights China´s use of both in tandem.