China's diplomacy has been in full swing this spring, particularly after China's exchanges with the world resumed in an orderly manner following continued optimization of its COVID-19 response and the successful conclusion of its "two sessions."

Chinese President Xi Jinping delivers a speech after receiving the credentials of 70 ambassadors to China at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, April 24, 2023. (Xinhua/Yin Bogu)

TIGHT SCHEDULE

On March 15, Chinese President Xi Jinping attended the Communist Party of China (CPC) in Dialogue with World Political Parties High-Level Meeting, where he proposed the Global Civilization Initiative, another international public good contributed by China to the world besides the Global Development Initiative and the Global Security Initiative.

On March 20, Xi embarked on a state visit to Russia. This was his first trip abroad after his reelection as Chinese president. He described this trip as a journey of friendship, cooperation and peace.

On March 26, China and Honduras signed a joint communique in Beijing on the establishment of diplomatic relations after the Central American country cut the so-called "diplomatic relations" with Taiwan. Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Qin Gang said President Xi attaches great importance to China-Honduras relations and that China welcomes President Castro to visit China as soon as possible.

On March 31, Xi met with the prime ministers of Spain, Malaysia and Singapore respectively. Xi and the foreign leaders pledged to strengthen ties and cooperation.

On April 6, Xi held a trilateral meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in Beijing. Xi pointed out that the concurrent visit to China by Macron and Von der Leyen demonstrated the positive desire of the EU to grow relations with China and advance the common interests of China and the EU.

On April 14, Xi held talks with his Brazilian counterpart Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva in Beijing. The Brazilian leader headed a large delegation on his first visit outside the Americas since being elected President last year.

On April 19, Xi held talks with President of the Gabonese Republic Ali Bongo Ondimba, the first African head of state to visit China after Xi was reelected as the Chinese president. The two leaders decided to upgrade bilateral ties to a "comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership."

Chinese President Xi Jinping holds talks with President of the Gabonese Republic Ali Bongo Ondimba at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, April 19, 2023. (Xinhua/Li Xueren)

On April 24, Xi received the credentials of 70 ambassadors to China at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. Xi said he hoped that ambassadors will have a comprehensive and in-depth understanding of China and serve as envoys of friendship and bridges of cooperation.

Indeed, China has hosted a number of dignitaries since the start of the year, which shows the eagerness of countries to develop friendly ties with China. These dignitaries include presidents of the Philippines, Turkmenistan and Iran, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen and Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko.