NEW DELHI: Chinese President Xi Jinping will be absent from the upcoming G20 Summit in India, with Chinese Premier Li Qiang set to represent the country. The G20 Summit is scheduled to occur on September 9 and 10 in the capital city of India, New Delhi, as confirmed by China's foreign affairs ministry in an official statement released on Monday.
In the statement, it was noted, "At the invitation of the government of the Republic of India, Premier of the State Council Li Qiang will attend the 18th G20 Summit to be held in New Delhi, India on September 9 and 10."
This announcement clarifies that President Xi Jinping will not be in attendance at the 18th G20 Summit, as it is a customary practice for China not to send both of its most prominent leaders abroad simultaneously.
The confirmation of President Xi's absence follows earlier reports suggesting that he might skip the G20 Summit in India. U.S. President Joe Biden expressed his disappointment regarding these reports, saying, "I am disappointed, but I am going to get to see him."
Leading up to the summit, several G20 ministerial meetings in India have been marked by contention, especially concerning Russia and China, which jointly opposed certain joint statements condemning Moscow's invasion of Ukraine last year.
During the BRICS Summit, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with President Xi and raised concerns about unresolved issues along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Ladakh. Both leaders agreed to instruct their respective officials to intensify efforts for a speedy disengagement and de-escalation.
In addition to President Xi, Russian President Vladimir Putin will also be absent from the Indian summit. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov is expected to represent Russia and participate in two plenary sessions on September 9 and 10. Lavrov is scheduled to engage in various bilateral talks and interactions on the sidelines of the summit.
The G20 Summit in Delhi will span two days, occurring on September 9 and 10, and will bring together leaders and delegates from 40 countries, including the 20 member states of the G20.
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