Beijing scores with diplomatic charm offensive

BEIJING – President Xi Jinping and other Chinese leaders have been kept busy in the last two months by a number of visits from foreign dignitaries as Beijing goes on a charm offensive to win allies and partners while making up for time lost during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Countries, too, have been eager to get face time with Mr Xi and his deputies as China embarks on a strong post-pandemic recovery amid a looming global recession.