German leader’s China visit latest sign of foreign diplomacy pivot beyond Beijing

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier has begun his state visit to China in the eastern province of Anhui, spotlighting a growing trend among visiting foreign leaders to look well beyond Beijing.Steinmeier arrived in the provincial capital Hefei early on Tuesday to begin a five-day state visit, marking his first trip to China in nearly eight years and confirming an exclusive report by the South China Morning Post earlier this month.When foreign dignitaries bypass Beijing for provincial hubs, it is a deliberate diplomatic move, with itineraries carefully curated to project a commitment to deeper ties. Regional stops offer a direct window into China’s industrial landscape while opening doors for cooperation in trade, hi-tech manufacturing, tourism and clean energy.