China says Premier Li Qiang will lead its G20 delegation, not President Xi Jinping

BEIJING: Beijing announced on Monday( Sep 4 ) that Premier Li Qiang would lead China’s delegation to the G20 summit in India this weekend. This almost confirms that President Xi Jinping will skip the gathering of the largest economies in the world.

China has remained silent on the matter despite debate and press reports that Xi may cancel the occasion over the past week.

Joe Biden, the president of the United States, has expressed his disappointment at Xi’s decision to skip the New Delhi summit of earth officials.

Li will attend the G20 Leaders’ Summit on Saturday and Sunday, which Beijing’s foreign government confirmed on Monday and characterized as a crucial platform for economic assistance.

At a regular news briefing, spokeswoman Mao Ning stated that Premier Li Qiang would represent China’s opinions and positions on the G20, urging it to enhance its unity and cooperation, and collaborating to address issues related to world economic and development.

Mao responded,” I made an announcement about this just now ,” when asked if the announcement meant Xi wouldn’t go to New Delhi. A group headed by Premier Li Qiang may travel to New Delhi, India, to attend the G20 Leaders’ Summit.

The Group of 20 major economy, which includes 19 nations and the European Union and accounts for two-thirds of the world’s population and approximately 85 % of global GDP, is made up of 19 countries.

This time, as several nations struggle with high inflation and economic unrest amid a sluggish healing from the COVID-19 pandemic, the summit has grown in significance.

China, the second-largest economy in the world, has a target for annual growth of about 5 %, but it also faces issues like low consumer demand, rising youth unemployment, and an important property sector crisis.

When questioned about Xi’s rumored lack of intention to attend the meeting in New Delhi, Biden responded to reporters on Sunday by saying,” I am unhappy, but I am going to see him.”

Since taking office, Xi has attended every G20 conference with the exception of Rome in 2021, where he took part via video website.