Over the last half-decade, a unique brand of diplomacy has emerged from China, thanks to the extensive international travels of its President, Xi Jinping. Throughout his 29 trips spanning 58 countries and various global and regional organizations, President Xi has gained a reputation as China’s prime diplomat.
These journeys have not only amplified China’s influential role in global peace, security, governance, and development but have also fostered a better understanding of China’s vision and strategies worldwide. A significant part of this vision includes fostering mutually beneficial collaborations and working towards building a united global community.
President Xi’s diplomatic approach was first revealed during his maiden foreign trip as president to Moscow in March 2013. He emphasized the need for an updated mindset, free from the constraints of colonial and Cold War attitudes, advocating for a new type of international relationship centered on mutual benefit.
His repeated visits to Russia and numerous meetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin have elevated the bond between China and Russia to an all-time high, making them a beacon of global peace and security. This model of bilateral relations is now seen as a prototype for civilized interaction between nations in the 21st century.
President Xi’s principles of non-conflict, non-confrontation, mutual respect, and beneficial cooperation have played a vital role in stabilizing China-US relations despite changes in the White House administration and ensuing uncertainties. His dialogues with US President Donald Trump have led to the creation of new high-level dialogue mechanisms between the two nations, further promoting global peace and security.
In Europe, each of President Xi’s tours has further expanded China-Europe relations. China is seeking a partnership with the European Union that encourages peace, growth, reform, and mutual benefit. This has largely assuaged European apprehensions about China.
Over the past five years, President Xi has dedicated half of his overseas visits to strengthening relationships with China’s neighboring countries. Simultaneously, cooperation with developing countries in Africa and Latin America has increased, with China playing a significant role in several infrastructure and development projects.
A core aspect of Xi’s diplomatic strategy is his proposal to build a global community with a shared future, which has been a shining beacon of China’s diplomatic efforts with individual nations and international organizations. Whether it’s the UN General Assembly, the World Economic Forum, the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation leaders meetings, the G20 forum, or the BRICS summit, Xi has consistently reaffirmed China’s commitment to economic globalization, UN-led multilateralism, and global peace.
Xi’s Belt and Road Initiative, proposed in 2013, is perhaps China’s greatest contribution to the world. Intended to develop trade and infrastructure networks in countries along and beyond the ancient Silk Road trade routes, this initiative aligns with the development strategies of many nations and the United Nations’ 2030 sustainable development goals.
As an increasingly interconnected world forms a community of shared interests, President Xi believes that “openness, inclusiveness, and win-win cooperation are the only viable options.” China’s ongoing support for the Paris climate change accord and its significant contributions to UN peacekeeping missions further underscore its commitment to making the world a better place.
