World

Is China shifting its policy with Xi Jinping missing G20 summit right after skipping speech at BRICS?

Chinese President Xi Jinping’s absence for the G20 summit, which kicked off in New Delhi today, has been in discussion for a while. Beijing gave no reason for Xi not attending the summit amid speculations. Whether it is Xi’s pressing domestic economic situation, his awkwardness to meet US President Joe Biden amid US-China tension or the rising rift with India, for China, this could be a missed opportunity.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s increased engagement on the global stage – both multilateral and bilateral — has given India a platform to project itself as a credible voice in the world. India is now aggressively bridging the gap even with Southeast Asian nations, once considered China’s backyard. On the other hand, Xi’s overseas engagements have drastically come down since the outbreak of the Covid pandemic. The inclusion of the African Union under India’s G20 presidency has also cemented New Delhi’s position as a voice for the Global South.

Eyebrows were also raised last month when Xi unexpectedly decided to skip a scheduled speech at the BRICS business forum. In his place, his commerce minister Wang Wentao read out the speech.

Again, no reason was given for Xi’s move.

Bill Bishop, who leads a newsletter Sinocism, focusing on Chinese affairs had then pointed out that Xi had not made many public appearances for some time and that it was “a bit strange”.

Analysts are now watching Xi’s actions closely. “We don’t know if the absence is for any particular reason but it would be interesting to note whether Beijing’s overall foreign and domestic policies are undergoing a shift as new challenges emerge for the leader,” one of them said.

With a patchy economic recovery in China in the post Covid phase leading to rise in unemployment and debt levels, Xi might want to intensify nationalist sentiments, another said, referring to a recently released map by Beijing which showed Arunachal Pradesh as part of its territory.

Meanwhile, according to the Conversation, a media outfit providing in depth analysis, the effect of Xi’s refusal to attend the New Delhi G20 summit is effectively a statement contesting India’s coveted status as a global leader.

“You only have to look at Modi’s list of overseas travel since 2020 to see that he has engaged with, and been hosted by, a wide range of world leaders. At the same time, hampered by COVID and facing a difficult economy, Xi’s foreign visits have been limited,” the Conversation said, adding that contrary to Beijing’s decades-old strategy of containing India in the South Asian region, New Delhi has begun to spread its strategic relationships in south-east Asia, Europe, Africa, Oceania and the US. “This has significantly challenged China’s status in the international sphere,” it said.

Many have been critical of Xi’s decision of skipping G20. US National Security Adviser Jack Sullivan at a recent press briefing said, “If China wants to come in and play the role of spoiler, of course, that option is available to them.”

Also read: G20 Leaders’ Declaration will resonate Global South’s concerns as never before

Mahua Venkatesh

Mahua Venkatesh specialises in covering economic trends related to India and the world along with developments in South Asia.

Recent Posts

Lebanon: Israel conducts precision airstrikes on Hezbollah’s UAV production, storage sites and drone workshop

Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) shared operational details of conducting precision strikes at Hezbollah targets in…

9 hours ago

Productive discussions on connectivity, security, terrorism: Jaishankar at India-Central Asia Dialogue

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, chairing the 4th India-Central Asia Dialogue in Delhi on Thursday,…

9 hours ago

Tata Electronics, BEL join hands to advance India’s electronics, semiconductors ecosystem

Tata Electronics and state-owned firm Bharat Electronics (BEL) have joined hands to advance the development…

10 hours ago

Israel’s Defence Minister slams Lebanese President for criticizing strikes on Hezbollah

Israel's Defence Minister Israel Katz responded to criticism leveled at Israel by Lebanese President Joseph…

10 hours ago

ETGE alleges Uyghur militants in Syria exploited by Chinese Intelligence, seeks US support

The East Turkistan Government in Exile expresses deep concern regarding the purported incorporation of Uyghur…

11 hours ago

“All good work is indeed left for me only to complete,” says PM Modi as he inaugurates major railway projects in J-K

Noting that the newly inaugurated Chenab and Anji Bridges will not only connect Jammu and…

11 hours ago