Xi Jinping, China's leader, opts out of G20 Summit, per EU official.

 Xi Jinping, China's leader, opts out of G20 Summit, per EU official

China's President Xi Jinping has decided not to attend the upcoming G20 summit in India, choosing instead to send Premier Li Qiang in his place, as confirmed by a senior EU official on Thursday.

The decision comes amid ongoing tensions between China and India. While Xi Jinping and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently engaged in face-to-face talks during the BRICS group summit in South Africa, these discussions have not eased the strains between the two Asian giants.

Notably, on Tuesday, India lodged a "strong protest" against China due to an official map released by Beijing, which seemed to assert control over a significant Himalayan territory that India claims as its own sovereign land.

The European officials are eyeing the G20 summit in New Delhi as an opportunity to influence countries like India and China to adopt a more robust stance against Russia, a fellow BRICS member, in light of Moscow's invasion of Ukraine.

China's absence from the G20 summit raises questions about its willingness to engage in global diplomatic initiatives and cooperation. It also highlights the complexities of international relations in an increasingly interconnected world.

While Premier Li Qiang will represent China at the summit, the absence of President Xi Jinping may impact the dynamics of discussions among world leaders. This shift underscores the significance of the G20 platform as a forum for addressing global challenges and fostering cooperation among nations.

In conclusion, President Xi Jinping's decision to skip the G20 summit and send Premier Li Qiang in his place reflects the delicate state of China-India relations and their broader implications on global diplomacy. The international community will be closely watching the summit in New Delhi for any developments that could shape the future of these crucial relationships and impact the global geopolitical landscape.