G20 must coax a reluctant China back into the fold
- Nowadays, China seems less interested in multilateral engagement more broadly
- However, the world cannot end the pandemic, address the climate crisis or ease the energy-supply emergency without China’s active and positive contribution to the G20
This week, G20 leaders gather in Rome for their annual summit. But will they use their stay in la grande bellezza to reconcile their differences and lay the groundwork for improved policy cooperation?
Since the G20 became a leaders’ summit in 2008, the private dinner has become an invaluable platform for some of the world’s most powerful people to discuss, face to face, the most important issues that they and their countries are facing.
Of course, anyone who has ever hosted a big holiday party or family reunion knows that some topics are best avoided at the dinner table, lest the affair lose its civility. The coming G20 dinner will be no different, though the stakes are much higher.
Moreover, in recent years, leaders have become increasingly polarised. So, even as the multilateral process itself has got smoother, progress has become more difficult.
Finding common ground is essential if the G20 is to remain an effective multilateral forum. Fortunately, Draghi is well practised at navigating competing demands and interests.
To keep disagreements from getting out of hand at the G20 dinner, Draghi will most likely attempt to identify low-hanging fruit – areas of common interest, where coordinated action is most likely.
But, China’s decision is deeply worrying. Clearly, Xi no longer feels comfortable taking part in a relatively small and unstructured multilateral gathering. He would rather miss a valuable opportunity to meet other world leaders, especially Biden, than risk being ambushed and disrespected. Former US president Donald Trump’s brand of “China bashing” has left deep scars.
In fact, nowadays China seems less interested in multilateral engagement more broadly. It used to participate actively in multilateral initiatives, especially on finance and fiscal policy. But cooperation is now particularly difficult in these areas, and throughout Italy’s G20 presidency, China has seemed to lack much motivation to try.
Other G20 powers must coax China back, with the US, in particular, adopting a more conciliatory stance. That doesn’t mean acquiescing to China’s every interest or preference.
Rather, it means accommodating China’s changing needs, where possible, as it undergoes a complex and gradual economic and social transition. It also means giving China credit when and where it’s due.
China also has specific demands regarding transparency and disclosure. The other G20 countries – including Indonesia, which will begin its presidency next year – should take note of this in attempting to bring China back into the fold.
As for Italy, it has done well during its G20 presidency to keep focus on common goals and limit the pandemic’s impact on proceedings. It has also brought tangible advances, on issues such as open trade, international aid and gender equality.
Now, as its presidency winds down, Draghi should shore up those all-important personal relationships, especially at the private dinner. And, like at any reunion, it should end with a “family photo” of leaders who were glad they made the trip.