President Xi Jinping Shocks World Leaders, Skips G20 Summit and Raises Concerns about China's Influence

Premier Li Qiang to Lead China's Delegation at G20 Summit as President Xi Jinping Skips the Event In a surprising turn of events, President Xi Jinping has decided to skip the upcoming G20 summit in New Delhi, with Premier Li Qiang taking the lead instead. This decision has caused disappointment among Germany and the U.S., who were expecting a meeting with President Xi. Observers suggest that Xi's absence could be seen as a signal that China is unwilling to confer influence on India, its southern neighbor with a rapidly growing economy. This comes in the backdrop of a long-standing border dispute between China and India.

Furthermore, Xi's decision to skip the G20 summit follows his recent attendance at the BRICS group meeting, where he emphasized the rising power of the East and the decline of the West. This narrative seems to align with his decision to not attend the G20 summit, further reinforcing the notion of China's growing influence in the region. The absence of President Xi at the G20 summit raises questions about the future direction of China's foreign policy. Some speculate that diplomatic sparring with India or the desire to focus on bolstering the newly expanded BRICS forum could be plausible reasons for Xi's decision.

Others suggest that China's economic troubles, particularly the situation with one of the country's largest property developers on the brink of default, may have prompted the President to stay home. Xi's no-show at the G20 summit has also led to concerns about China's increasing unpredictability. His absence would mark a significant departure from his usual approach and attendance at international forums. Moreover, it could potentially undermine China's standing in global affairs and highlight the lack of transparency within the country.

The decision to skip the G20 summit would also deny Xi the opportunity for in-person dialogue with other world leaders. It would prevent him from engaging with G20 members who have been supportive of China, such as Argentina and Saudi Arabia. Additionally, it would put him in direct conflict with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, as tensions rise over Tokyo's release of treated nuclear wastewater. Overall, President Xi's absence from the G20 summit signifies a shift in how he operates on the world stage. It remains to be seen how this decision will impact China's influence and relations with other global powers. The next major event where Xi is expected to make an appearance is the Belt and Road Forum in Beijing in October, where Russian President Vladimir Putin will also be present.