The G20 summit in New Delhi was attended by powerful world leaders, except for China’s Xi Jinping. This absence sends a clear message that China is rejecting the established world order.
This marks a significant shift in China’s foreign policy, as Xi had previously aimed to position China as an alternative to the West. However, he is now positioning China as a direct opponent, forming its own bloc against the United States and its allies.
Xi’s break with the establishment has been a long time coming. While his predecessors integrated China into the U.S.-led global order, Xi has become increasingly hostile towards it. He has focused on developing alternative institutions that Beijing can lead and control.
The Chinese government has not provided an explanation for Xi’s absence from the G20 summit, but it is likely an attempt to discredit the forum. Xi views it as resistant to Chinese manipulation and competition for his own plans in the global South.
Instead of institutions like the G20, Xi has been promoting rival forums that he believes he can dominate. This includes the BRICS group of developing countries, which China aims to turn into a support organization for its geopolitical agenda.
Xi’s absence from the G20 summit allows President Joe Biden to exert his influence without Chinese competition. It also insults the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, this year’s host, and undermines Xi’s push to lead a new bloc against the West.
However, Xi’s nationalist pursuit of global power may undermine his efforts to lead a unified bloc against the West. Capital Economics suggests that a lack of common agreement among member states will likely hold back progress in the BRICS group.
Xi’s perception of the future as a binary competition between China and the United States is mistaken. The emerging world order has multiple centers of power, and China may not automatically be the primary beneficiary.
By snubbing the G20, Xi not only shows opposition to the West but also arrogance towards the emerging powers he expects to join him. To win the geopolitical game, Xi needs to be actively involved, but he has opted out.
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