White House Official Warns China Could Disrupt G20 Summit Amid Tensions

Jake Sullivan, a key White House official, issued a statement on Tuesday cautioning that China possesses the potential to disrupt the forthcoming G20 Summit, scheduled for September 9 and 10 in New Delhi.

Addressing concerns about the ongoing tensions between India and China and their potential impact on the G20 Summit, the National Security Advisor of the United States emphasized that India, as the G20 Chair, along with the United States and other member nations, will urge China to put aside geopolitical disputes and contribute constructively.

Sullivan stated, “Regarding the question of whether tensions between India and China will affect the summit, the answer primarily depends on China. If China chooses to play a disruptive role, that option is available to them. However, India, as the summit’s chair, will encourage them otherwise. The United States and nearly all other G20 member nations will also encourage China to engage constructively, focusing on addressing issues such as climate action, multilateral development, banking reforms, debt relief, and technology cooperation, while temporarily setting aside geopolitical differences.”

This statement came one day after Chinese President Xi Jinping announced his decision to forgo attendance at the G20 Summit in New Delhi.

On Monday, China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs revealed that Li Qiang, Premier of the State Council, would represent China at the 18th G20 Summit in New Delhi on September 9 and 10. The announcement, conveyed by foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning, stated, “At the invitation of the government of the Republic of India, Premier of the State Council Li Qiang will attend the 18th G20 Summit to be held in New Delhi, India, on September 9 and 10.” However, no explanation was provided for President Xi’s absence from the summit.

In his introductory remarks during the briefing, Sullivan expressed the United States’ strong commitment to the G20 as a platform for achieving meaningful outcomes during a period of significant global economic challenges. He also confirmed President Biden’s forthcoming visit to India for the G20 Summit, outlining the President’s itinerary, which includes participation in bilateral meetings with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and official sessions of the G20 Summit.