In an unexpected turn of events, Chinese President Xi Jinping has reportedly decided to skip the upcoming G20 summit in New Delhi, leaving US President Joe Biden disappointed. The move casts a shadow over hopes of improving US-China relations, as tensions between the two global superpowers continue to simmer.
President Biden expressed his disappointment over the reports during a press interaction in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. He acknowledged the diplomatic setback but remained hopeful, saying, “I am disappointed, but I am going to get to see him.” However, he did not disclose the details of their potential meeting.
If Xi Jinping indeed avoids the G20 summit in India, the next opportunity for a face-to-face meeting between the two leaders could come in November, when the United States is set to host the APEC conference in San Francisco.
Unnamed officials familiar with the preparations for the G20 summit have confirmed Xi’s absence, further underscoring the strained relations between China and India. Instead of Xi Jinping, it is expected that Chinese Premier Li Qiang or another government representative will attend the summit.
The frosty relations between the United States and China have been characterized by deep-rooted disagreements on several fronts. These include issues related to Taiwan, which have escalated due to US lawmakers visiting the island and a high-profile trip by Taiwan’s president to the US.
Additionally, tensions have arisen over Biden’s export bans on semiconductor technology, reports of Chinese surveillance in Cuba, and a recent incident involving an alleged Chinese spy balloon breaching US airspace.
In a bid to mend relations, several high-level Biden administration officials have undertaken visits to China in recent months. Notable figures include Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, climate envoy John Kerry, and Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo. Their diplomatic efforts have been aimed at finding common ground and improving communication channels between the two nations.
The G20 meeting in India had held promise as an opportunity to thaw US-China relations, but Xi Jinping’s decision to stay away from the summit has cast a shadow over those hopes.
As both nations grapple with a complex web of issues, the world watches with keen interest, hoping for progress in resolving these ongoing disputes.
