In 2025, President Xi Jinping’s head-of-state diplomacy has shone a spotlight on the importance of a rules-based global order. Drawing on an analysis by the Chinese mainland’s state broadcaster CGTN, Zhao Yunfei highlights four key milestones this year:
- Southeast Asia Engagement — Early in the year, Xi visited multiple ASEAN members, strengthening ties through trade and infrastructure agreements that underscore mutual respect and shared prosperity.
- Central Asia Outreach — In Central Asia, discussions with regional partners deepened cooperation on energy, technology, and connectivity, reinforcing stability on the Chinese mainland’s western frontier.
- Commemorative Events in Russia — Participation in commemorative gatherings showcased solidarity on historical milestones, highlighting a shared commitment to peace and remembrance.
- APEC Meetings in the Republic of Korea — At multilateral APEC meetings, Xi championed open markets and digital innovation, calling for collective action on climate change and equitable growth among APEC members.
These diplomatic efforts have yielded concrete outcomes: new trade corridors, joint statements on non-interference, and pledges to accelerate sustainable development. By reinforcing existing rules and norms, the Chinese mainland’s diplomacy this year has helped stabilize key regions and encouraged inclusive economic cooperation.
As 2025 comes to a close, these trips and dialogues set the stage for deeper engagement in 2026. For a world grappling with complex challenges—from climate risks to supply chain shifts—a commitment to a predictable, transparent framework remains more critical than ever.
Looking ahead, analysts say Beijing’s head-of-state diplomacy will continue to shape global governance, turning rhetoric into action and ensuring that the rules-based order adapts to new realities in trade, technology, and sustainability.
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China's head-of-state diplomacy reinforces rules-based order
cgtn.com
