Iffa Jayyana
Over the span of five transformative years, a distinctive China-style major-country diplomacy has coalesced, largely shaped by the extensive overseas engagements of Chinese President Xi Jinping. From the moment he assumed leadership, Xi embarked on a diplomatic odyssey that saw him undertake 29 visits to 58 countries, encompassing major international and regional organizations across all five continents. This unprecedented level of global outreach has rightfully earned him the appellation of China’s "chief diplomat," underscoring his personal imprint on the nation’s foreign policy. These journeys have been instrumental in elevating China’s leadership stature across crucial global domains, including peace, security, governance, and development. Simultaneously, they have fostered a more profound worldwide comprehension of China’s overarching vision and its unique approach to international relations, characterized by principles of win-win cooperation and a concerted drive towards building a community with a shared future for mankind.
Forging a New Diplomatic Paradigm: A Chronology of Engagement
The conceptual foundation of this new diplomatic approach was laid bare during President Xi Jinping’s inaugural foreign trip as head of state in March 2013, a visit to Moscow that marked a pivotal moment in China’s international posture. Addressing an esteemed audience at the Moscow State Institute of International Relations, President Xi articulated a clear departure from historical paradigms, stating, "To keep up with the times, we cannot have ourselves physically living in the 21st century, but with a mindset belonging to the past, stalled in the old days of colonialism, and constrained by zero-sum Cold War mentality." This powerful declaration signaled China’s ambition to transcend outdated geopolitical frameworks and champion a new type of international relations, fundamentally rooted in the principle of win-win cooperation.
The relationship with Russia, initiated with this landmark visit, has since flourished into what is frequently described as its historical zenith. President Xi’s six visits to Russia and more than 20 meetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin across various international platforms have cultivated a robust strategic partnership. This deep engagement has positioned China and Russia as a formidable anchor for global peace and security, particularly in a period marked by shifting international dynamics. Vyacheslav Volodin, Chairman of the Russian State Duma, notably remarked on the exemplary nature of this bilateral model, suggesting it "should become one of the examples of civilized interaction between countries in the 21st century." This close alignment serves not only the mutual interests of both nations but also contributes to a more multipolar global order, offering a counterweight to traditional power blocs. The extensive high-level exchanges have translated into significant cooperation across economic, energy, and military sectors, reinforcing stability in Eurasia.
Across the Pacific, China’s engagement with the United States has navigated a complex landscape, particularly amidst White House leadership transitions and the inherent uncertainties they bring. President Xi’s diplomatic efforts have been guided by foundational principles of non-conflict, non-confrontation, mutual respect, and win-win cooperation. His direct exchanges with U.S. President Donald Trump, including state visits and interactions at international summits, were instrumental in establishing new high-level dialogue mechanisms. These mechanisms, designed to foster open communication and manage potential disputes, aimed to promote global peace and security by ensuring a stable and predictable relationship between the world’s two largest economies. While challenges persist, these structured dialogues underscored a shared recognition of the critical importance of bilateral stability for broader international harmony.
Concurrently, China-Europe relations have experienced significant expansion, catalyzed by President Xi’s repeated tours to the continent. China has actively pursued a comprehensive partnership with the European Union, founded on shared aspirations for peace, sustained growth, reform, and mutually beneficial bilateral cooperation. The proactive cultivation of excellent relationships with countries in Central and Eastern Europe, often through platforms like the "16+1" (now "17+1") cooperation mechanism, has notably assuaged some European concerns about China’s growing influence. These engagements have sought to deepen economic ties, foster cultural exchanges, and enhance political dialogue, contributing to a more balanced and multifaceted global strategic landscape.
A significant proportion of President Xi’s overseas itinerary—approximately half of his visits—has been strategically dedicated to strengthening ties with China’s immediate neighbors. This concentrated focus underscores Beijing’s commitment to fostering regional stability and prosperity. Key initiatives include the establishment and deepening of mechanisms such as the Lancang-Mekong Cooperation (LMC), which promotes sustainable development among riparian states; the updated version of the China-Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Free Trade Area (CAFTA), designed to boost regional trade and economic integration; and the ambitious Bangladesh-China-India-Myanmar (BCIM) Economic Corridor, aimed at enhancing connectivity and economic cooperation across South and Southeast Asia. These regional efforts are crucial for China’s broader strategic goals, fostering a secure and economically integrated periphery.
Beyond its immediate vicinity, China’s cooperation with developing countries in Africa and Latin America has witnessed robust growth. China’s involvement in numerous infrastructure and development projects across these regions has been extensive, ranging from railways and ports to industrial zones and energy initiatives. Forums like the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) and the Forum of China and the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (China-CELAC Forum) have served as platforms for structured dialogue and project implementation, demonstrating China’s commitment to South-South cooperation and its role as a key partner in the development aspirations of these nations. This engagement is often characterized by significant investment and technological transfer, contributing to local economic growth and improved livelihoods.
Pillars of Multilateralism: The Vision of a Shared Future
Central to President Xi’s diplomatic philosophy is the profound proposal to build a community with a shared future for mankind – a concept that has emerged as a core pillar of contemporary multilateralism. This vision has permeated China’s diplomatic endeavors over the past five years, influencing its interactions with individual states as well as its proactive engagement with regional and international organizations.
President Xi has consistently reaffirmed China’s unwavering commitment to economic globalization, UN-led multilateralism, and the pursuit of global peace across a spectrum of high-profile international forums. From the solemn halls of the UN General Assembly and the influential platform of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, to the strategic discussions at Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) leaders’ meetings, the Group of 20 (G20) forum, and the BRICS summit (comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa), his message has been clear and consistent.
At a time when economic globalization faced increasing scrutiny and was often erroneously blamed for a host of global ills—including sluggish economic growth, rising unemployment, a surge in trade protectionism, the proliferation of populism and isolationist sentiments, the specter of terrorism, the humanitarian refugee crises in Europe and the Middle East, and the widening chasm between rich and poor—President Xi offered a compelling defense and a constructive path forward. In a landmark keynote speech at the WEF in January 2017, he articulated China’s perspective: "In the face of both opportunities and challenges of economic globalization, the right thing to do is to seize every opportunity, jointly meet challenges and chart the right course for economic globalization." He then outlined a comprehensive strategy for global economic advancement, advocating for innovation-driven growth, open and win-win cooperation, fairer global governance, and balanced and inclusive development. This framework positioned multilateralism not as a choice, but as the indispensable solution for addressing complex global problems, with China firmly establishing itself as a robust pillar of this collaborative approach.
The visionary concept of building a community with a shared future for mankind finds its most tangible and ambitious embodiment in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which President Xi first proposed in 2013. The BRI is an expansive development strategy aimed at constructing vast trade and infrastructure networks that span countries along and beyond the historical Silk Road trade routes. This initiative involves unprecedented investments in new railways, roads, ports, pipelines, and industrial zones across Asia, Africa, and parts of Europe. Beyond mere connectivity, the BRI’s projects are meticulously designed to align with the unique development strategies of participating nations, while simultaneously striving to advance the United Nations 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. This dual focus on national development and global sustainability underscores the initiative’s comprehensive ambition, transforming it into perhaps the most significant global public good China has offered to the world in modern times.
The underlying philosophy of interconnectedness and shared prosperity was further emphasized by President Xi at the Dialogue of Emerging Market and Developing Countries during the BRICS summit in Xiamen, China, in September. He declared, "In an increasingly interdependent and integrated world where countries form a community of shared interests, openness, inclusiveness and win-win cooperation are the only viable option." This statement encapsulated the essence of China’s multilateral push, advocating for a global order founded on mutual benefit rather than unilateral advantage.
International recognition of China’s commitment to multilateralism has been widespread. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres explicitly stated, "Multilateralism is the solution for the global problems, and China has been a strong pillar of multilateralism." His predecessor, Ban Ki-moon, similarly hailed China as "an indispensable partner for the UN’s agenda," acknowledging its pivotal role in global governance. China’s steadfast support for the Paris Agreement on climate change, notably after the United States’ withdrawal, and its substantial contributions to UN peacekeeping missions—being the largest troop contributor among the permanent members of the UN Security Council—further underscore its proactive efforts to foster a more stable, equitable, and sustainable global environment. These actions demonstrate a practical commitment to global responsibilities, translating diplomatic rhetoric into tangible contributions.
Broader Implications and the Future Trajectory
The five years of President Xi Jinping’s major-country diplomacy have profoundly reshaped China’s global standing and the dynamics of international relations. The sheer scale and frequency of his overseas engagements, coupled with the articulation of a coherent diplomatic philosophy, have cemented China’s position as a principal actor on the world stage.
One of the most significant implications is the accelerated shift towards a more multipolar global order. China’s proactive role in various regional and international forums, its deepening strategic partnerships, and its assertive promotion of multilateralism have provided an alternative model for global governance, moving away from a unipolar or bipolar framework. This has prompted other nations to recalibrate their foreign policies, recognizing China’s undeniable influence in economic, political, and security spheres.
Economically, China’s major-country diplomacy, particularly through the Belt and Road Initiative, has fostered unprecedented levels of interdependence. By investing heavily in infrastructure and connectivity projects across continents, China is not only securing its own supply chains and market access but also creating new economic corridors that are transforming global trade routes. While these initiatives offer significant development opportunities for participating countries, they also invite scrutiny regarding debt sustainability, environmental impact, and geopolitical implications, leading to ongoing dialogues and adjustments.
Geopolitically, China’s emphasis on win-win cooperation and a shared future has presented a narrative that seeks to transcend traditional power politics. While some observers interpret this as a genuine effort to foster global harmony, others view it as a strategic move to expand China’s influence and reshape international norms in line with its national interests. The strengthening of ties with Russia, the nuanced engagement with the U.S., and the deepening of relationships with developing nations collectively represent a sophisticated effort to build a network of partnerships that enhances China’s strategic autonomy and diplomatic leverage.
Furthermore, China’s vocal advocacy for multilateralism and its concrete actions on global issues like climate change and peacekeeping have positioned it as a responsible stakeholder in addressing pressing planetary challenges. This stance contrasts sharply with tendencies towards protectionism and isolationism observed in some parts of the world, reinforcing China’s image as a proponent of global cooperation. However, the efficacy of its proposals, such as "fairer governance," will continue to be evaluated by the international community through the lens of transparency, inclusiveness, and adherence to established international laws and norms.
In conclusion, the past five years have witnessed the meticulous construction of a robust and distinctive major-country diplomacy under President Xi Jinping’s leadership. This comprehensive diplomatic strategy, characterized by extensive global engagement, the promotion of win-win cooperation, and the ambitious vision of a community with a shared future for mankind, has firmly established China as an indispensable force in shaping the 21st-century global landscape. As China continues to evolve, its diplomatic trajectory will undoubtedly remain a focal point for international observation, analysis, and engagement, dictating not only its own future but also significantly influencing the broader course of global affairs.
Lina Irawan
Suro Senen
