The upcoming G20 summit in India has experienced a setback as Chinese President Xi Jinping has decided not to attend, prompting disappointment from US President Joe Biden. This news comes amidst worsening relations between China and India, particularly due to their ongoing border disputes in the Himalayan region. Chinese Premier Li Qiang will represent Beijing at the summit instead. The two leaders had last met at the previous G20 summit in Indonesia last year. Biden expressed his disappointment at Xi’s absence but mentioned that he is looking forward to meeting with him in the future, without specifying a date.
China’s foreign ministry had initially not confirmed Xi’s attendance when asked during a press briefing, and news reports citing anonymous sources later indicated that he did not plan to attend. This withdrawal by Xi further exacerbates the deteriorating US-China ties over the past year. The relationship was already strained after an alleged Chinese spy balloon was discovered in US airspace shortly after the leaders’ previous meeting. China and the US have been at odds over various issues, including human rights concerns in Xinjiang and Hong Kong, territorial disputes involving Taiwan and the South China Sea, and China’s increasing dominance in various industries.
In an effort to improve bilateral relations, several high-ranking US officials, such as Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, and US Special Envoy for Climate John Kerry, have made trips to China in recent months. However, President Xi has continued to position Beijing as a leader of the developing world, rallying support for an alternative to the world order led by the United States. During his recent visit to South Africa to meet with Brics leaders (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa), he criticized Western “hegemony” and encouraged developing nations to break free from the “yoke of colonialism.”
This development also raises questions about the future of US-China relations and the potential impact on the global economic landscape. The absence of Xi at the G20 summit calls into question the effectiveness of international cooperation and dialogues on key global issues. It remains to be seen if the leaders will have an opportunity to speak in November at the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting in San Francisco.
The dynamics between China, India, and the United States have significant implications for global politics, trade, and stability. As this news generates international attention, it is crucial to closely monitor how the absence of Xi Jinping at the G20 summit will shape the future interactions between these major world powers. Furthermore, it will be important to observe how other countries, especially those aligned with the United States or China, respond to this development and whether it sparks further diplomatic efforts to address the strained relations between the two nations.
Given the increasing influence of China and the United States in various regions, any shifts in their relationship can have profound effects on the global stage. Therefore, policymakers, economists, and international observers should carefully analyze the repercussions of this news and be prepared to adapt their strategies accordingly to navigate the evolving dynamics between these influential nations.
