China shifts to 'home-court' diplomacy as foreign leaders flock to Beijing
China's diplomatic strategy has shifted significantly, with Beijing conducting far fewer overseas state visits while welcoming a steady stream of foreign leaders to the capital. President Xi Jinping hosted an average of 48 foreign leaders annually from 2013 to 2018, and at least 44 annually over the past three years post-Covid. The change reflects Beijing's growing confidence and preference for a 'home-court' model of diplomacy, with greater emphasis on neighbourhood diplomacy and engagement with European middle powers. Analysts say changes in US policy and President Trump's diplomatic approach prompted China's allies to recalibrate their relationships with Beijing.