Pandas, pingpong and ancient canals: President Xi’s hosting style says a lot about Chinese diplomacy

By: Xianda Huang, University of California, Los Angeles, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: December 15, 2025

Words: 1,300

Last Updated: 3 weeks, 6 days ago

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By Xianda Huang, University of California, Los Angeles

When French President Emmanuel Macron traveled to China in early December for his fourth state visit, the itinerary began with the expected formalities. There was a red carpet reception at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing and high-level talks with President Xi Jinping on trade, technology and Ukraine.

But the defining image of this diplomatic trip did not take place in the capital. Rather, it …

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