Xiplomacy: How Xi Jinping Is Positioning China at the Center of Global Politics
Beijing has emerged as a central hub for international diplomacy this year, with nearly 20 heads of state and government visiting President Xi Jinping in recent months. The influx of leaders, including representatives from the United Kingdom, Germany, Canada, and Pakistan, marks a shift in China’s global standing as it positions itself as a stabilizing partner while Western nations navigate geopolitical conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East.
The rise of “Xiplomacy”
Chinese state media has coined the term “Xiplomacy” to describe the recent surge in high-level diplomatic traffic. According to The Telegraph, the frequency of these visits signals a transition for Beijing, which only years ago faced isolation over pandemic management and human rights concerns. The presence of both U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Beijing within the same week in May highlighted this new role, an occurrence described by the Global Times as rare in the post-Cold War era.
Why nations are turning to Beijing
Heidi Østbø Haugen, a professor and China researcher at the University of Oslo, attributes this trend to China’s ability to maintain open channels with diverse nations. As global conflicts divide international relations, China is increasingly viewed as a stable partner that refuses to take sides, allowing it to maintain trade flows for countries facing sanctions, such as Russia and Iran.
Economic influence and industry dominance
China’s diplomatic outreach is supported by significant economic weight and long-term industrial planning. A recent OECD report indicates that China has provided six times more industrial state subsidies than Europe and three times more than the United States over the last two decades. These subsidies have been instrumental in China’s rise to dominance in sectors such as solar panels, wind power, and shipbuilding.
Initiatives such as “Made in China 2025” and the “Belt and Road Initiative” (BRI) have further cemented this influence. While the BRI is promoted as an infrastructure project spanning 140 countries, an Atlantic Council report from 2024 suggests the initiative also serves as a vehicle for Beijing to project its own governance model and global worldview.
What could happen next
As more nations seek to secure their own economic interests, it is likely that middle-power countries will continue to pursue independent strategies rather than aligning strictly with a single bloc. Analysts suggest that if the current trend of declining trust in U.S. alliances persists—as noted by the European Council on Foreign Relations—Beijing may continue to capitalize on this vacuum to strengthen its role as an alternative diplomatic and economic anchor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which leaders have visited China recently?
The list includes leaders from the U.K., Germany, Canada, Pakistan, South Korea, Ireland, Finland, Uruguay, Turkmenistan, Spain, the UAE, Vietnam, Mozambique, Tajikistan, Brunei, the U.S., Russia, and Serbia.
How does China support its global economic growth?
According to an OECD report, China utilizes significant state subsidies to outcompete Western industries, with 60 percent of its global market share gains attributed to these financial supports.
What is the “Belt and Road Initiative”?
Launched in 2013, it is an infrastructure project involving approximately 140 countries, aimed at strengthening China’s economic and political ties by investing in roads, railways, and ports.
Is the trend of increased diplomatic visits to Beijing likely to continue in the coming year?