Look East: Frequent head-of-state diplomacy highlights China’s rising role in a shifting global order

AS GEOPOLITICAL tensions mount and the international landscape is gradually being reshaped, a clear trend has emerged across the first four months of 2026: nations worldwide are increasingly “looking east” toward China.

A steady stream of heads of state and senior leaders have visited Beijing and other Chinese cities, engaging in intensive diplomatic exchanges that underscore China’s central position in global cooperation and governance.