The G20 summit in India will take place for the first time without the Chinese President – Prime Minister Li will come instead of Xi. US President Biden was disappointed by the cancellation. Russia’s President Putin can also be represented.
Chinese President Xi Jinping will not attend the G20 summit in India next weekend. China will be represented at the meeting of the heads of state and government of the 20 leading industrialized and emerging countries (G20) by Premier Li Qiang, the Chinese Foreign Ministry confirmed.
Li’s attendance means Xi will not attend, as China’s two top officials are not usually abroad at the same time — especially not at the same event.
The reason for the absence is not given
It is the first time a Chinese leader has canceled a G20 meeting. During the corona pandemic, Xi did not come to the G20 meeting in Rome either, but attended via video link. The reason for his absence this year was not given.
This year’s G20 host country India and China have had a strained relationship for some time. There have been border disputes for years, for example over an area south of Tibet and in eastern India. Both countries claim power there and have different views of the border in the mountains.
Most recently, the release of an official map showing China claiming disputed land and sea areas has sparked additional displeasure from several states.
Biden disappointed by Xi’s cancellation
US President Joe Biden regretted Xi’s cancellation. “I’m disappointed … but I will see him,” said Biden on Sunday in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, without giving further details.
There has been speculation in recent weeks that Biden could meet Xi on the sidelines of the New Delhi summit and discuss improving relations strained by trade disputes and rising geopolitical tensions. Xi last met Biden in November on the sidelines of the G20 summit on the Indonesian island of Bali.
federal government “regrets” China’s decision
Similar statements were also made in Berlin. We regret China’s decision. However, this does not change the importance of the meeting, emphasized government spokesman Steffen Hebestreit.
The G20 summit will take place in the Indian capital on September 9th and 10th. Russian President Vladimir Putin will also not attend. As at the Bali Summit, he will be represented this year by Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.