Chinese Prime Minister Li Qiang is preparing to lead the Chinese delegation to the next G20 summit to be held in India. This announcement was made by the Chinese Foreign Ministry on Monday, suggesting that President Xi Jinping will not attend the event.
The choice of Li Qiang as China’s representative to the G20 raises questions about the likely absence of Xi Jinping. Indeed, the Chinese president has always participated in previous G20 summits, with the exception of that of Rome in 2021 where he participated via videoconference due to the Covid crisis. His non-participation in this major event in world diplomacy therefore gives rise to speculation about the reasons for this decision.
According to a European official, Xi Jinping decided not to attend the G20 summit in India, which disappointed US President Joe Biden who hoped to meet him at this event. However, the Chinese Foreign Ministry did not officially confirm this information, only announcing that Li Qiang would lead a Chinese delegation to India.
The G20 summit brings together the leaders of the world’s largest economies, together representing 85% of global GDP and two-thirds of the world’s population. China’s participation in this event is therefore crucial, given its status as the world’s second largest economic power. China has set a growth target of around 5% for 2023, but achieving this target promises to be difficult in a context of low consumption, record youth unemployment and a real estate crisis.
The choice of Li Qiang to represent China at the G20 demonstrates the importance attached by Beijing to this event. In conveying China’s thoughts and positions on cooperation in the G20, Li Qiang will emphasize unity and cooperation among member countries to face global economic challenges.
Beyond Chinese participation, the G20 summit in India also raises expectations about the relationship between India and China. Tensions between the two countries remain high, despite a face-to-face meeting between Xi Jinping and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the recent Brics summit in South Africa. European officials hope the G20 will be an opportunity to push India and China to take a tougher stance towards Russia amid the invasion of Ukraine.
In conclusion, Li Qiang’s participation in the G20 summit in India as China’s representative demonstrates the importance Beijing attaches to this event. Xi Jinping’s likely absence raises questions, but this should not call into question China’s position in global economic negotiations and discussions.