China's Xi Jinping Absence from G20 Signals Shift in Global Strategy

By Kundu Ronald

When world leaders gather in New Delhi for the upcoming G20 summit, one notable absence will be China's President Xi Jinping, who has never missed a G20 summit since assuming power in 2012. The decision to skip the event, typically a high priority for China, has sparked speculation about Xi's health and strained relations with India due to an ongoing border dispute. However, experts suggest a deeper motivation rooted in China's evolving global strategy. Analysts argue that Xi may be expressing disillusionment with the current global governance system, seen as dominated by American influence, and instead prioritizing multilateral forums aligned with China's vision. Xi's absence underscores a shift in China's view of the G20, which it once saw as neutral but increasingly views as U.S.-oriented and hostile.

Changing Perceptions of the G20

China's previous enthusiasm for the G20 as a platform for global diplomacy has waned, reflecting rising tensions with the United States. While China's leader has always attended G20 summits, recent years have witnessed a deteriorating relationship with the U.S. About half of G20 members are U.S. allies, which align with the Biden administration's stance on China. Beijing is also viewing its disputes with other G20 nations, such as India, through the lens of its strained relationship with the U.S. These factors contribute to China's perception that the G20 has become an arena increasingly aligned with U.S. interests.

Disagreements and Alternative Forums

China's opposition to Russia's actions in Ukraine and its refusal to condemn the invasion have exacerbated divisions within the G20. India's inability to broker joint statements at key G20 meetings further reflects this discord. Chinese analysts argue that the G20 has lost value and effectiveness as a diplomatic platform. Instead, Xi appears to prioritize alternative governance structures, such as the BRICS group and the Belt and Road Initiative, which align more closely with China's vision for global governance. These alternative structures allow China to take a central role, a departure from sharing the spotlight with the U.S. and other Western powers.

China's Vision for a New World Order

Xi's recent interactions with world leaders, notably his visit to Moscow and participation in the BRICS summit, underscore his commitment to reshaping the global order. The expansion of BRICS and the forthcoming Belt and Road Forum signify China's ambition to build alternative governance structures that are more aligned with its interests and values. Xi's vision for a new world order encompasses initiatives like the Global Security Initiative, Global Development Initiative, and Global Civilization Initiative, which serve as an umbrella for countries to align with China's narrative. These efforts signal China's intention to redefine global governance and its desire to be at the center of these emerging structures, away from the dominance of Western-led institutions like the G20.

In summary, President Xi Jinping's absence from the G20 reflects a broader shift in China's global strategy. China's disillusionment with the G20 as a platform increasingly influenced by the U.S. has led to a recalibration of its priorities. Xi's focus on alternative governance structures and initiatives aligns with China's vision for a new world order, emphasizing its desire to shape global governance in ways more favorable to its interests and values.