China's diplomatic strategy shows a notable shift, with President Xi Jinping conducting fewer overseas state visits. Instead, Beijing is increasingly hosting foreign leaders in the capital, focusing on neighborhood diplomacy and engaging European middle powers. This change suggests a growing confidence and preference for high-level multilateralism within China's foreign policy.

China’s diplomatic strategy has undergone a conspicuous shift, with Beijing conducting far fewer overseas state visits, opting instead to welcome a steady stream of foreign leaders to the capital. According to data compiled by the South China Morning Post, Beijing is placing greater emphasis on neighbourhood diplomacy and engagement with European middle powers. The changing dynamic reflects Beijing’s shift towards favouring high-level multilateralism, in a sign of growing confidence and an...