China’s diplomatic strategy has undergone a conspicuous shift, with Beijing conducting far fewer overseas state visits, opting instead to welcome a steady stream of foreign leaders to the capital.
According to data compiled by the South China Morning Post, Beijing is placing greater emphasis on neighbourhood diplomacy and engagement with European middle powers.
The changing dynamic reflects Beijing’s shift towards favouring high-level multilateralism, in a sign of growing confidence and an increasingly normalised “home-court” model of diplomacy, according to observers.
The shift also highlighted the changes in Washington’s policies and US President Donald Trump’s approach to diplomacy as factors that prompted its allies to recalibrate their relationship with China, analysts said.
South Korean leader Lee Jae Myung begins China state visit
