Xi Jinping's absence from the G20 summit suggests a shift in China's foreign policy towards creating alternative international alliances. There are also questions about China's intentions and what the potential consequences will be if China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi doesn't address protocol and logistical issues for future international events.

China’s recent update to its foreign policy guidelines will be a major turning point in the ongoing tug-of-war between East and West for global trade hegemony.

Chinese Premier Li Qiang recently visited several EU nations, and his visits revealed much about where China sees opportunities to make inroads in the West, and his reception by European counterparts show some notable approaches by EU leaders to China’s overtures.

The crisis in Sudan is being used by China as a platform to gloat about its efficiency in evacuating citizens from the embattled nation, adding to the narrative that China hopes to create where it can become the world’s leading superpower.

Perhaps it’s a natural rebound after three years of COVID-19, but other factors may explain it better. Changes in the international order, a new emphasis on diplomatic autonomy, the need for cooperation with China and growing Chinese diplomatic influence are all having their effect.

China’s recent diplomatic wins could be indicative of the type of world it hopes to build - one where a number of stakeholders have more equal footing rather than being led by one powerful hegemon.

Europe faces three imperatives: It needs to seize the opportunity presented by China’s post-pandemic reopening; it needs China as a stabilizer, in light of the unpredictable prospect of peace in Eastern Europe; and it needs to rebalance its relationship with the United States because of dramatic international shifts in recent years.

China has kick-started a phase of public-facing diplomacy overtures, encompassing Europe, the Middle East, and its own situation with Taiwan. The wave of meetings and visits shows a remarkable change in China’s reception from the international community, as well as where it might still improve its relations.

Qin Gang countered the false narrative pushed by the United States that frames China as an aggressive, coercive pillager. The balloon incident, a supposed Chinese plan to sell arms to Russia and allegations that Beijing intends to attack Taiwan soon only feed misunderstanding.

It’s important to look at history when considering the current state of the China-U.S. bilateral relationship, or even the state of the world. And one legacy to look back on and learn from is that of former Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai. His wisdom and magnanimity are certainly virtues that diplomats from both sides of the Pacific should appreciate more today.