With Power Waning, Xi Jinping Loses Influence in US–China Talks: Analysts

Experts point to signs of Xi Jinping’s declining authority, which undermines his influence in U.S.–China negotiations.

Chinese leader Xi Jinping (C) is applauded as he arrives at the closing session of the National People's Congress at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on March 11, 2024. Kevin Frayer/Getty Images

News Analysis

After a 14-day absence from public view, Chinese leader Xi Jinping reappeared on June 4 to host Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko at his official residence in Beijing. The meeting was unusually subdued, with both Chinese and Belarusian media describing it as “family-like” and informal. In contrast to standard state visits, it received limited media coverage, underscoring its low-profile nature.