Xi's Trusted Aide Takes Bigger Role Courting West Amid Growing Tensions
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Liu Jianchao, a ministerial-level diplomat, is playing a bigger role in China's foreign policy as it confronts Western countries. He is seen as a trusted aide to President Xi Jinping.
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Liu has been actively engaging with Western think tanks and political parties to ease tensions and counter efforts to isolate China.
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Liu has traveled extensively in 2022 across Europe, Asia, and Australia to reset relations strained by disputes.
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Liu's proactive diplomacy contrasts with his less visible predecessor Song Tao. Some believe Liu is auditioning for foreign minister.
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Liu heads the Communist Party's International Liaison Department, which is expanding ties with foreign political parties to tell China's governance story.