The decision by Chinese President Xi Jinping to skip the G20 Summit in New Delhi, scheduled for September 9 and 10, has left many wondering about the motivations behind this move. Various speculations abound regarding the reasons for Xi’s absence.
One theory posits that Xi may not be interested in participating in an event that could enhance India’s global image, given that India is often viewed as a rival by China. Another perspective suggests that China may be attempting to downplay the significance of the forum, potentially damaging its relationships with countries like Saudi Arabia and Argentina, which have close ties with India and other influential Asian nations.
Another factor that could explain Xi’s absence is the ongoing border tensions between China and India, particularly along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) has made attempts to alter the status quo in this region, leading to diplomatic and military standoffs.
Key Points on President Xi Jinping’s Absence from G20 Summit:
- Surprise Decision: Chinese President Xi Jinping has chosen not to attend the G20 Summit scheduled for September 9 and 10 in New Delhi, raising questions about the motives behind his absence.
- India’s Rivalry: Speculations suggest that Xi might be avoiding an event that could boost India’s global image. China often views India as a regional rival, and Xi may not want to contribute to India’s international prestige.
- Downplaying the Forum: Another perspective is that China seeks to downplay the significance of the G20 Summit, which could strain its relations with countries like Saudi Arabia, Argentina, Japan, and South Korea—nations that have warm ties with India.
- Border Tensions: ongoing border tensions between China and India, especially along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), might be a significant reason for Xi’s absence. The PLA’s attempts to alter the status quo in this region have led to diplomatic and military standoffs.
- Prioritizing BRICS: China could be prioritizing the newly expanded BRICS forum, aiming to establish itself as an alternative to the US-led world order.
- Economic Concerns: Economic challenges in China, such as its largest property developers facing potential default, could also factor into Xi’s decision.
- Break from Tradition: Xi Jinping has attended every G20 leaders’ summit since assuming power in 2012, making his absence this year a departure from tradition.
- Comparisons to Mao: Xi’s absence is drawing comparisons to his predecessor, Mao Zedong, particularly in terms of foreign policy and multilateral forums.
Another speculation is that China is prioritizing the newly expanded BRICS forum and seeks to establish itself as an alternative to the US-led world order.
Economic concerns may also be a factor in Xi’s decision, as China faces challenges related to its largest property developers teetering on the brink of default.
Xi Jinping has attended every G20 leaders’ summit since taking power in 2012, and his absence from this year’s event is raising questions and drawing comparisons to his predecessor, Mao Zedong, particularly in terms of foreign policy and multilateral forums.
