Xi Jinping has hosted more than a dozen leaders this year, as ‘middle powers’ look beyond the US

Xi Jinping's recent meetings with leaders from Bangladesh and Myanmar signal China's growing diplomatic outreach, as he seeks to position Beijing as a pivotal player in a world shifting away from Western dominance. This surge in diplomatic engagements highlights China's strategy to foster economic ties and influence beyond the traditional U.S.-led global order, emphasizing the country's ambition to assert itself as a leader among 'middle powers.' These interactions underscore the broader geopolitical shifts occurring as nations increasingly consider alternative alliances and economic partnerships.