Xi Jinping's successful overseas trip has bolstered China's foreign affairs credentials

President Xi Jinping's third diplomatic trip abroad since assuming power in March has shored up his growing reputation as a statesman on the world stage, putting paid to speculation he would favor a stay-at-home leadership style.

Xi, who has surprised predictions from China watchers who believed he would focus exclusively on domestic challenges in the first few months of his tenure, embarked on a tour of several Central Asian countries after attending the G20 Summit in Russia this month.

With his third trip overseas in less than seven months at the helm, Xi's decision to engage in a hectic schedule of diplomacy on the world stage has sent a strong message to pundits.

As a leader, he has signaled he is prepared to give foreign affairs and domestic issues equal weight and importance.

Xi's diplomatic track record thus far speaks volumes about his priorities and leadership style.

Upon assuming the presidency in March, he took his first overseas trip. He moved quickly to consolidate China's strategic partnership with Russia and renewed the traditional bonds of friendship with key African countries. He also threw his weight behind BRICS, which represents the five major emerging market economies of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.

In an effort to demonstrate China's balanced diplomatic approach, Xi turned his attention to the other side of the world for his second overseas trip. Trinidad and Tobago, Costa Rica, Mexico and the United States were all on the itinerary.

Xi's choices clearly indicate his willingness to give big and small countries equal treatment, while paying more attention to Latin America.

While the G20 summit is typically an important forum for the most influential countries in the world to discuss and manage economic issues, the agenda at this year's summit was overshadowed by political and security concerns.