Xi Jinping’s Absence at G20 Summit in India Fuels Speculation of Diplomatic Implications and Agenda Shifts in Global Dynamics
Credit: Google | Xi Jinping
Amid growing anticipation and diplomatic speculation, Chinese President Xi Jinping‘s attendance at the upcoming Group of 20 (G20) summit in New Delhi remains uncertain, leaving Indian officials in a state of limbo. The G20 summit, scheduled to take place from September 9th to 10th, has seen prominent world leaders confirm their presence, yet Xi’s status remains undisclosed.
Chinese President Xi Jinping will likely skip the upcoming G-20 summit in India, report says https://t.co/KF8ftdLqs2
— Bloomberg (@business) August 31, 2023
Indian sources reveal that preparations are well underway for the event, with security protocols and arrangements in motion, all operating under the assumption of Xi’s attendance. However, these sources, who spoke on the condition of anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the matter, have disclosed that China’s confirmation is still pending.
Premier Li Qiang is expected to step in for Xi Jinping at the summit, as communicated by two separate Indian officials. Although the Indian and Chinese foreign ministries have refrained from official comments, the course of events seems to point towards Xi’s likely absence.
The G20 summit holds strategic significance as it was envisaged as a potential platform for a meeting between Xi Jinping and US President Joe Biden, with both superpowers striving to ameliorate strained relations stemming from trade disputes and geopolitical tensions. However, the current circumstances cast doubt on this prospect.
Xi’s absence from the summit might be linked to his notably limited overseas travel since the easing of pandemic-induced border controls in China. With only a handful of international engagements, including the BRICS meeting in South Africa, Xi’s travel patterns have been cautious.
The geopolitical landscape is further influenced by the absence of Russian President Vladimir Putin, who has opted to delegate his presence to Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. The G20 summit’s lead-up has witnessed tensions as Russia and China jointly opposed statements condemning Russia’s actions in Ukraine.
The upcoming G20 summit, intended to foster diplomatic conversations, has spurred discussions about potential face-to-face talks between Xi and Biden. However, these talks could potentially be deferred to other forums, such as the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Leaders Meeting in San Francisco.
In the backdrop of these developments, India and China have been working towards mending bilateral relations after clashes along their Himalayan border in 2020. A conversation between Xi and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the BRICS meeting in South Africa hinted at efforts to reduce tensions.
As the countdown to the G20 summit continues, the absence of Xi Jinping raises intrigue and questions about the underlying diplomatic currents shaping the global stage.
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