Analysis-Softer China diplomacy as Xi navigates challenges at home

China has been striking a softer tone in its dealings with the world recently, releasing an Australian journalist from prison, inviting the U.S. military to a defence forum and agreeing to a $4.2 billion debt restructuring deal with Sri Lanka. The conciliatory approach towards rivals as well as China's partners in the developing world comes as President Xi Jinping gets to grips with the most significant domestic economic problems seen in years. For the time being, China wants to reassure the world that it is business as usual when it comes to commerce, said Noah Barkin, an analyst with the Rhodium Group and expert on China's foreign relations.