Li Qiang to Attend G20 Summit in India, Confirmes Beijing

China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed that Li Qiang, the Premier of the State Council, will attend the 18th G20 Summit in New Delhi on September 9 and 10, ending speculations about President Xi Jinping’s participation.

The statement, quoting spokesperson Mao Ning, mentioned Li’s attendance at the invitation of the Indian government but didn’t provide reasons for Xi’s absence. Earlier reports had suggested that Xi Jinping might not attend the G20 Summit in India.

Sources in China, informed by Chinese officials, couldn’t provide a reason for President Xi Jinping’s expected absence from the G20 Summit. Xi has limited overseas travel since China lifted Covid restrictions but did attend the BRICS Summit in South Africa recently.

Preparatory G20 ministerial meetings in India saw disagreements, with Russia and China opposing statements condemning Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. During the BRICS Summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi discussed India’s concerns about unresolved issues along the Line of Actual Control in Ladakh with Xi Jinping.

During discussions at the BRICS Summit, Prime Minister Modi and President Xi Jinping agreed to instruct their respective officials to accelerate the disengagement and de-escalation efforts along the Line of Actual Control.

Both Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin will not attend the upcoming G20 Summit in India. Instead, Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov will represent Russia at the summit, participating in plenary sessions on September 9 and 10 and engaging in various bilateral talks and interactions during the event.

Also Read: MoS Lekhi: Paramilitary forces, Delhi police to ensure foolproof security for G20 Summit

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