The world may or may not be entering ‘Beijing time’
Recent state visits by world leaders to Beijing have positioned China as a potential stabilizing force in global politics. Analysts are divided on whether these visits reflect China's proactive diplomacy or are strategic moves by leaders seeking leverage against the US. Despite the influx of international visitors, China's core foreign policy positions remain unchanged, indicating that visibility does not equate to influence.
- ▪Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump recently visited Beijing, highlighting China's role on the global stage.
- ▪Chinese media described Beijing as an international 'living room' amid these high-profile visits.
- ▪Despite the visits, China's foreign policy positions, such as support for Russia and trade surplus with the EU, have not shifted significantly.
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In recent weeks, the back-to-back state visits to Beijing by Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump have put China in the global spotlight. For some international analysts, the summits showcased China as a “stabilising force capable of hosting two major rivals within days”, a “broker between the big powers” and a “pillar of global stability.” To others, the visits highlighted how China is becoming an “indispensable global power” and President Xi Jinping a “world leader to be reckoned with and courted.” Chinese analysts, meanwhile, noted that over the past six months, numerous other world leaders have visited Beijing, including those from France, Britain, Canada, South Korea and Germany. Crucially, some leaders returned after long gaps.
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