NEW DELHI: The annual G20 summit in New Delhi today has been closely watched for the potential meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and US President Joe Biden.
After months of strained relations between the two global powers due to trade and geopolitical tensions, many were hopeful for a diplomatic breakthrough. However, President Xi’s notable absence has left both observers and U.S. officials puzzled, with the onus now on China to provide an explanation.
U.S. Deputy National Security Adviser Jon Finer expressed the need for China to clarify the reason behind President Xi’s absence from the G20 summit. Speaking to reporters in the Indian capital, Finer stated, “It’s incumbent upon the Chinese government to explain” whether their leader “would or would not participate.”
The absence of President Xi has raised questions about China’s commitment to the success of the G20 summit. While it is not the role of the United States to explain the actions of the Chinese government, Finer emphasized that it would be “unfortunate” if China was not fully engaged in the success of the summit.
Speculation about China’s motives for skipping the G20 summit has arisen. Some analysts suggest that China’s absence may indicate a shift in its global strategy, potentially focusing on building alternative world order arrangements and prioritizing groupings like BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa). This speculation underscores the uncertainty surrounding China’s intentions on the global stage.
China’s delegation at the G20 summit is being led by Premier Li Qiang. Notably, President Vladimir Putin of Russia is also absent from the summit, with Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov representing Russia instead. President Biden arrived in New Delhi for the summit, expressing disappointment at President Xi’s absence but remaining optimistic about the opportunity for future engagement.
India, as the chair of the G20 summit, along with the subsequent chairs, Brazil and South Africa, and the United States, have expressed their commitment to the success of the summit. Jon Finer underscored the importance of China’s active participation, stating If China does not [commit], that’s unfortunate for everyone. But much more unfortunate, we believe, for China.
