Twenty-one heads of state visited China in the first five months of 2026, with notable guests including Germany's Friedrich Merz, UK PM Keir Starmer, and back-to-back summits between Xi, Trump, and Putin. The diplomatic parade demonstrates China's growing international influence despite trade tensions and military assertiveness.

The flurry of visits serves China's strategy to position itself as a reliable multilateralism pillar, contrasting with Xi's reduced international travel compared to his early years in power. Historian John Delury notes how these trips echo China's historical tributary system, where foreign dignaries traveled to the emperor's court.

For businesses, the increased diplomatic engagement signals China's continued importance in global trade networks. The visits come as China pursues aggressive trade policies while maintaining partnerships with Russia and North Korea, creating complex market conditions for international companies operating in the region.