During Macron’s China visit, Xi used “no-tie diplomacy” in Chengdu, emphasizing cultural ties and deepening personal engagement.
Key Points
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During Macron’s China visit on January 15, 2026, Xi Jinping’s informal "no-tie diplomacy" in Chengdu emphasized cultural connections, shifting from aggressive tactics. This marked a move to personal engagement, recognizing France’s significance beyond trade.
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Xi guided Macron through Sichuan’s cultural landmarks, including the Dujiangyan irrigation system and the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. This cultural approach contrasts with global focus on hard issues like trade and Ukraine.
- The Chengdu visit mirrored Macron’s 2024 invitation to Xi in the French Pyrenees, fostering relational diplomacy. This shift signifies China’s intention to engage deeply with France, emphasizing personal connectivity over a "Wolf Warrior" confrontation style.
In a significant shift in diplomatic approach, Chinese President Xi Jinping engaged in “no-tie diplomacy” with French President Emmanuel Macron during a state visit in December. This informal meeting in Chengdu emphasized cultural connections beyond typical trade discussions. The visit, marking Macron’s fourth state trip to China, started with traditional formalities in Beijing, including talks on trade, technology, and Ukraine. However, the central diplomatic event unfolded in Chengdu, Sichuan province, where Xi personally guided Macron through key cultural sites.
This informal engagement, outside the capital, marked a notable departure from protocol, as it was the first time Xi hosted a foreign leader for sightseeing outside Beijing. The itinerary included visits to the Dujiangyan irrigation system, the national table tennis team, and the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. This cultural statecraft aims to soften geopolitical tensions by highlighting deep-rooted connections and shared interests.
Xi’s choice of Chengdu reciprocates Macron’s earlier invitation to the French Pyrenees, fostering a personal connection. This move indicates a strategic pivot in Chinese diplomacy from confrontational “Wolf Warrior” tactics towards building relational ties with European partners, portraying France as an ally of cultural and personal significance, not merely a trading partner. This strategic shift reflects Beijing’s broader aim to navigate an increasingly complex global landscape with nuanced, relationship-focused diplomacy.