A growing number of world leaders have been visiting China this year, with 21 heads of state or government meeting President Xi Jinping in the first five months of 2026, according to official data.
The list includes leaders from Europe, Asia, Africa and the Americas, alongside recent high-profile visits and summits involving leaders such as Donald Trump, Vladimir Putin, and others in Beijing.
Analysts say the trend reflects China’s effort to project itself as a major global power and supporter of multilateralism, even as it pursues assertive foreign and trade policies.
Observers note that Xi Jinping has travelled abroad far less in recent years, with no overseas trips in 2026 so far and limited travel since the pandemic, compared with his earlier frequent international visits.
In contrast, US leaders Joe Biden and Donald Trump have made a combined 56 foreign trips, highlighting different diplomatic engagement styles.
Experts add that Xi’s post-pandemic travel has focused mainly on neighbouring countries and partners in Central and Southeast Asia, while China prefers one-on-one summits to strengthen bilateral influence over multilateral forums like ASEAN or the EU.
During UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s visit, China cut whisky tariffs, allowed visa-free travel for Britons, and secured major investment pledges, though critics said the gains largely favoured Beijing.
Observers say such visits reinforce China’s global influence narrative amid Western uncertainty, even as recent summits with Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin produced limited outcomes. Analysts add that with major domestic political events ahead, Xi is likely to focus more on internal affairs, further limiting his foreign travel.