Editorial | Speculation about Xi’s absence from the G20 summit is overblown
- Hyperbolic Western media see Chinese president’s absence as a snub, but by sending Premier Li Qiang instead, Beijing is emphasising what the grouping was originally about: economic collaboration and not political back-stabbing
Beijing did not give any reason in the official announcement that President Xi Jinping will not be attending the Group of 20 leaders summit in New Delhi this weekend, where China will be represented by Premier Li Qiang. The Western media has jumped to conclusions, ranging from geopolitical tension, especially with the United States, to international reaction to Beijing’s latest territorial map of the South China Sea.
A less speculative explanation is to be found in the origins of the G20. It was launched in 1999 in the wake of the Asian financial crisis as a platform for central bank chiefs and finance ministers of major economies to discuss economic and finance issues.
It was elevated to a summit of heads of state and government in 2008 to coordinate a response to the global financial crisis.
It has since expanded to include collaboration in dealing with global challenges from trade to health and climate change and more.
But its abiding core mission remains economic and financial stability. Rarely is that more true than now, as the world struggles to complete the anticipated economic recovery after the pandemic slowdown.
It is not helpful to be sidetracked by divisive political agendas, be they bilateral, regional or ideological.
