Client state is one of several terms used to describe the economic, political and/or military subordination of one state to a more powerful state in international affairs
A client state is a country which is controlled or influenced by another larger and more powerful state, or which depends on this state for support and protection. France and its African client states. A country that is dependent on the economic or military support of a larger, more powerful country: "Each superpower continues to arm its client states" (C.L. Sulzberger). a country that is dependent on the support and protection of a more powerful country - used in news reports