Xi leads China's diplomacy to usher in new chapter in turbulent world

BEIJING -- In the opening weeks of 2026, President Xi Jinping's intensive bilateral and multilateral interactions spanning China's neighboring regions, Europe, North America and the Global South, have drawn widespread attention across the world.

At a time when humanity once again stands at a crossroads, China's diplomacy under Xi's leadership opens a magnificent new chapter, demonstrating China's commitment to building a community with a shared future for humanity and promoting world peace and development.

CONSTRUCTING CLOSER GLOBAL PARTNERSHIPS

On New Year's Eve, Xi and Russian President Vladimir Putin exchanged New Year greetings. Xi took a comprehensive look back at 2025, a year marking a concrete step in the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for a new era, and expressed readiness to maintain close exchanges with Putin to jointly push for continuous new progress in bilateral ties in the new era.

On Jan 5, Xi held talks with President of the Republic of Korea (ROK) Lee Jae Myung, the first foreign head of state visiting China in 2026.

Xi said he and President Lee have met twice and conducted reciprocal visits, reflecting the importance both sides attach to China-ROK relations. As both friends and neighbors, China and the ROK should increase exchanges and maintain frequent communication.

On the same day, Xi met with Taoiseach of Ireland Micheal Martin, whose visit to China marked the first by an Irish Taoiseach in 14 years. Xi summarized the valuable experience gained from the long-term stable development of bilateral ties, and said China is willing to strengthen strategic communication with Ireland, deepen political mutual trust and expand pragmatic cooperation to benefit the peoples of both countries and add momentum to China-EU relations.

In addition, Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo will pay an official visit to China from Jan 25 to 28, which is expected to further deepen bilateral relations.

On Jan 16, Xi met with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, whose visit to China marked the first by a Canadian prime minister in eight years. Xi put forward four proposals on bilateral relations, and called on both sides to steer their ties onto the track of sound, steady and sustainable development, and bring more benefits to both peoples.

China's new year diplomacy also highlighted its firm solidarity with the Global South. On the occasion of the 70th anniversary of launching diplomatic relations between China and Africa, Xi sent a congratulatory letter to the opening ceremony of the 2026 China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi made his first overseas trip of the year to Africa, continuing a diplomatic tradition that has been carried out for 36 consecutive years.

During a phone call with Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on Jan. 23, Xi noted that China is committed to always being a good friend and partner to countries in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), and to jointly advancing the building of the China-LAC community with a shared future.

These events have highlighted China's sincere willingness to unite with Global South countries to address global challenges and jointly advance modernization.

With intensive and proactive diplomatic engagements in less than a month, China is deepening and expanding global partnerships that feature equality, openness and cooperation.