What Xi Jinping’s ‘unscripted’ moments at G20, Apec reveal about future of diplomacy

Name: Xi, Biden discuss Taiwan and Xinjiang in first in-person meeting
Uploaded: 2022-11-22T22:00:12.000Z
Duration: 3 min 33 s
Description: Xi, Biden discuss Taiwan and Xinjiang in first in-person meeting

Chinese president’s warmth and candour make strong impression during overseas trip, but Beijing’s foreign policy hasn’t changed

Face-to-face meetings to play crucial role in China’s post-pandemic international relations, observers say

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Shi Jiangtao

Published: 6:00am, 23 Nov 2022Updated: 3:01pm, 28 Nov 2022

President Xi Jinping’s unscripted moments during the summits in Southeast Asia last week offered rare insights into the country’s most powerful leader in decades and reassurances about his post-pandemic diplomacy.

In contrast to his hardline approach at the Communist Party’s national congress last month, where he clinched an unprecedented third term, Xi appeared cordial and cooperative at the Group of 20 summit in Bali and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) forum in Bangkok last week.

He shed his mask, smiled and sought to reaffirm China’s commitment to the region and global governance during a flurry of formal meetings with over 20 foreign leaders, including US President Joe Biden and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.

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Xi, Biden discuss Taiwan and Xinjiang in first in-person meeting

While China’s foreign policy regarding major powers and geopolitical hotspots has largely remained unchanged, Xi’s soft and warmer-than-expected tone appear to have made an impression, making him one of the most sought-after leaders at the events.

China’s first couple was visibly moved when a birthday cake was presented to Xi’s wife Peng Liyuan at a banquet hosted in their honour by Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha on Saturday.

According to a video released by the Thai government, Peng, who turned 60 on Sunday, cut the cake, while Xi, Prayuth and his wife clapped their hands.

Peng Liyuan (centre), wife of Chinese President Xi Jinping, cuts birthday cake at a banquet hosted by Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha in Bangkok on Saturday. Photo: Twitter

Pang Zhongying, a professor of international affairs at Sichuan University, said those moments were revealing, as it had been “very unusual” for Chinese leaders to show their personal side in recent years.