While many world leaders attended the various meetings held in Southeast Asia during the last week, the main attraction was Chinese President Xi Jinping.
The conclaves marked his return to the international stage after nearly three years of virtual appearances and follows his election to a third term as China’s supreme leader, an appointment that most observers believe is actually for life.
Xi seems to have departed from the “wolf warrior” diplomacy adopted by China’s representatives around the world. He sounds more conciliatory and ready to reach out, although he still flashed steel when irritated and remains unflinching on issues related to China’s core interests. Xi’s message is that China seeks peace and cooperative development. Until he better reconciles Chinese actions with that rhetoric, doubts will persist and Xi and his government must prepare for greater suspicion and concern.