One year after coming into power, Xi Jinping has given a new profile to China's foreign policy. Different from the low profile approach applied by his predecessors, he has developed an assertiveness that claims a role for China as a global power or a "new type of major power relations". Xi visited Russia to strengthen the strategic partnership with Russia and counterbalance the United States. Xi also launched new diplomatic activism toward China's surrounding countries to strengthen friendly relations with neighboring countries. Nevertheless, Xi maintains China's assertive actions in dealing with territorial disputes with Japan in safeguarding China's territorial integrity and sovereignty as well as its maritime rights. The new foreign policy initiatives and assertive actions taken by Xi Jinping can be blamed on multiple factors, including a need to divert attention from social instability at home and political rivalry among different leadership factions. Increased national strength and diplomatic pressure also are reasons behind China's diplomatic transformation. Diplomacy always serves national interests. The ultimate goal of China's diplomatic transformation is to maintain internal stability and economic prosperity.
