Pandas, pingpong and ancient canals: President Xi’s hosting style says a lot about Chinese diplomacy

Pandas, pingpong and ancient canals: President Xi’s hosting style says a lot about Chinese diplomacy

Chinese President Xi Jinping and French President Emmanuel Macron take in the view at the UNESCO World Heritage site in Dujiangyan, southwestern China'. Sarah Meyssonnier/AFP via Getty ImagesWhen French President Emmanuel Macron traveled to China in early December for his fourth state visit, the itinerary began with the expected formalities. There was a red carpet reception at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing and high-level talks with Pre…