Chinese President Xi Jinping Skipping G-20 Summit:
Chinese President Xi Jinping has decided to skip a G-20 Summit for the first time.
This move is seen as sending "deliberate signals" to India and the West, indicating a downgrade in China's involvement in this key international forum.
The decision not to attend the G-20 Summit is attributed to China's displeasure with the current state of bilateral relations with India and the politicization of the G-20.
Reasons Behind China's Decision:
China is unhappy with India's stance that normalcy in broader bilateral ties is not possible without a restoration of peace on the Line of Actual Control (LAC), the disputed border.
China believes that the G-20 should focus solely on economic issues and not engage in matters like the war in Ukraine.
Beijing has not provided a specific reason for President Xi's absence from the summit.
Chinese Foreign Ministry's Response:
The Chinese Foreign Ministry stated that Beijing always attaches importance to and actively participates in relevant activities.
It expressed support for India hosting this year's G-20 Summit and emphasized the stability and growth of China-India relations.
China intends to work with India to further improve and advance bilateral relations.
Surprising Decision and Lack of Comfort:
The decision not to attend the G-20 Summit is considered surprising, especially since President Xi attended previous G-20 Summits.
Health reasons do not appear to be a factor, as President Xi has been actively engaged in recent events.
The decision is seen as a deliberate signal regarding the state of relations with India and China's comfort level with the G-20 platform.
Differing Readouts and Map Dispute:
After an informal conversation between Indian Prime Minister Modi and President Xi in South Africa, both sides released differing readouts of the conversation.
Subsequently, there were exchanges of sharp criticism over China's issuance of a new "standard map" for 2023, which was seen as complicating relations amid an unresolved border crisis.
China's Unease with the G-20:
China's decision reflects its unease with the G-20 as a platform, particularly in contrast to its investments in other international forums like BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).
Role of Premier Li Qiang:
Premier Li Qiang, the second-ranked leader, will attend the Delhi G-20 Summit in place of President Xi.
This is a deviation from the usual Chinese protocol for international meetings.
The President typically attends G-20 and APEC Summits, while the Premier attends events like the East Asia Summit.
China's decision to send Premier Li Qiang is considered well thought out and not routine, indicating careful consideration.
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