
China announced that Premier Li Qiang will represent the nation at the forthcoming G-20 summit in India, implying that President Xi Jinping will abstain, further straining ties with New Delhi. The announcement, made by Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning, has sparked speculation that this may hinder G-20 leaders from releasing a joint statement – a first since its inception in 1999. Xi’s absence also deviates from his usual practice, having attended every G-20 leaders’ summit since assuming power nearly ten years ago. This move follows Xi’s recent participation in the BRICS summit in South Africa. U.S. President Joe Biden expressed disappointment at Xi’s anticipated non-attendance, emphasising his hope to meet with the Chinese leader soon.