Xi Jinping has hosted more than a dozen leaders this year, as ‘middle powers’ look beyond the US
China’s leader wants to promote his alternative to the current world order, and his efforts are being assisted by a capricious US
TL;DR
- Xi Jinping has met with numerous world leaders in Beijing this year, increasing China's global influence and economic ties.
- These visits are seen as an effort to promote an alternative multipolar world order and weaken countries' trust in the US.
- China presents itself as a source of stability and loans, particularly for poorer nations, while the US appears to be retreating from its global position.
- Beijing has welcomed leaders from authoritarian countries, such as Myanmar's military chief, signaling support for their regimes.
- Analysts suggest Xi's strategy involves engaging with 'less glamorous leaders from less rich countries' to shift the balance of power towards the Global South, with China as its leader.
- Despite diplomatic efforts, China's influence in solving international crises, like the war in Ukraine, has been limited.