Chinese President Xi Jinping is reportedly expected to forego attending the upcoming G20 Summit scheduled to take place in New Delhi next month, according to sources from both countries as reported by the news agency ANI citing a Reuters report.Sources familiar with the matter in both India and China disclosed that Premier Li Qiang is anticipated to represent Beijing at the G20 Summit, slated for September 9 and 10. While Indian and Chinese foreign ministries spokespersons have not commented on the matter, the shift in representation could have far-reaching implications for diplomatic dynamics.One senior government official from India told Reuters that they were aware that Premier Qiang will come in place of Xi. However, the reason for Xis absence was not known, even by sources in China who were in direct communication with Chinese government officials.Chinese President Xi Jinping likely to skip G20 Summit in India, reports Reuters pic.twitter.com/l2eNZjSnNx— ANI (@ANI) August 31, 2023The absence of President Xi from the summit may dampen expectations of a potential face-to-face discussion with United States President Joe Biden, given the ongoing efforts to navigate the complexities of trade and geopolitical tensions between the two global powers. Notably, Xi last engaged with Biden on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Bali, Indonesia, last November.Russian President Vladimir Putin has also announced his non-participation in the New Delhi summit, with Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov taking his place. The shifting roster of attendees is undoubtedly reshaping the anticipated scope of discussions and bilateral engagements during the event.Why is Xi Jinping skipping the G20 meet in DelhiThe Chinese presidents expected non-attendance arrives amid an ongoing dispute between China and India over a new map released by China on August 28. This map included regions integral to India, such as Arunachal Pradesh and Aksai Chin. India reacted strongly, lodging a protest and stating that the claims hold no basis.Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who would have had another opportunity to discuss the border dispute with President Xi Jinping during the summit, had recently held a brief conversation with Xi at the BRICS Summit in South Africas Johannesburg. During that interaction, both leaders agreed on the necessity for an expeditious de-escalation from the disputed areas in Ladakh.
