Beijing (CNN)Diplomacy can be a lot like theater -- with a whole cast of characters jostling for spotlight and applause. On the world stage, Chinese President Xi Jinping has emerged as a force to be reckoned with since he took the leading role in the world's most populous nation in late 2012. For the 61-year-old Xi -- considered China's most powerful leader in decades -- his marquee appearance last November as the host of a global summit has offered good clues on his future moves. During the 2014 Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation gathering in Beijing, Xi met and entertained more than a dozen other leaders from countries that have been called China's friends, enemies and -- more often than not -- "frenemies."
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No relationship is more important -- or complex -- than that between the United States and China
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China is becoming bolder in territorial disputes in the East and South China seas
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China and North Korea have grown apart in the past decade, leader seen as "spoiled brat," analyst says
Breaking with tradition, Xi has yet to agree to a meeting in Beijing with @placeholder's young supreme leader.
"@placeholder is changing China's foreign policy, which will be much more proactive in the foreseeable future," said Shi.