As President Xi Jinping steps up his diplomatic tour de force, hosting a string of high-profile leaders at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China is making a bold bid for global influence. With more than a dozen heads of state and government having passed through Beijing this year alone, analysts point to a deliberate strategy by Mr Xi to challenge the existing world order and promote a multipolar international system.
The scale of these diplomatic efforts underscores China's growing recognition on the world stage. According to William Yang, a senior analyst for the International Crisis Group, these high-level meetings reflect an increasing acknowledgement of China's expanding global influence. Many leaders, particularly from 'middle-power' countries, are using these opportunities to forge independent relationships with Beijing, amidst concerns about the increasingly unpredictable nature of US foreign policy.
China is actively positioning itself as a source of stability and a vital provider of loans and investment for developing nations, a strategy that takes advantage of a perceived vacuum left by Washington's retreating influence. This diplomatic approach has seen President Xi engage with leaders from a diverse range of nations, including those with authoritarian regimes and countries within the Global South – a move that appears integral to Beijing's broader objectives.
A notable example of this engagement was the red-carpet reception for Myanmar's military chief, Min Aung Hlaing, who has faced accusations of war crimes and genocide by UN experts. During his visit, President Xi signalled his "firm support" for Mr Min Aung Hlaing's regime, reiterating a commitment to the principle of non-interference in Myanmar's internal affairs. This engagement, despite international condemnation of Myanmar's military rule, signifies Beijing's acceptance of the legitimacy of the military government, according to Ja Ian Chong, a professor at the National University of Singapore.
This strategy aligns with President Xi's vision for reshaping the international order, where no country dictates another's domestic affairs. Steve Tsang, director of the China Institute at Soas University of London, suggests that engaging with a broad spectrum of leaders, particularly from less affluent nations, is central to this approach. He posits that Xi is "fundamentally shifting the balance of power from the hands of advanced democracies… to the Global South, with China as its leader." This ambition was also evident in Xi's recent visit to North Korea, where the contentious issue of its nuclear weapons programme was conspicuous by its absence.
The implications for Britain and Europe are significant. As China seeks to strengthen economic ties globally, UK businesses may find themselves increasingly entangled in Beijing's diplomatic efforts. Meanwhile, European nations will need to navigate a complex web of relationships with China, balancing their own interests with concerns about human rights and the rule of law.
For British policymakers, there are difficult decisions ahead. How should they respond to China's growing influence on the world stage? Will they seek to strengthen ties with Beijing or maintain a more cautious approach, mindful of the risks associated with deepening economic dependence?