G20 summit: Biden steps up as Xi and Putin step back
The G20 Leaders’ Summit: A Global Gathering of Power
The heads of the world’s largest economies will convene in India this weekend for the G20 leaders’ summit, an intergovernmental forum founded 24 years ago. This highly anticipated event is considered one of the most prominent geopolitical assemblies in the world, attracting global attention and shaping international relations.
India, hosting the summit for the first time, sees this as an opportunity to elevate its status among major global players. Prime Minister Narendra Modi aims to showcase his leadership and enhance his credentials as he seeks a third term next year.
Notable Absences: Putin and Xi
While the conference will be attended by prominent leaders such as President Joe Biden, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, French President Emmanuel Macron, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, it is the absence of Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping that has generated significant buzz.
Putin, currently embroiled in a war with Ukraine and facing an International Criminal Court arrest warrant for war crimes, has decided to sit out the summit. Although India is not obligated to arrest him due to its non-signatory status to the Rome Statute, the Kremlin claims scheduling conflicts prevent Putin’s attendance.
Xi’s absence is more complex. It could potentially pave the way for India to gain ground following Beijing’s recent escalations in the South China Sea and heightened anti-American rhetoric. China’s territorial disputes with several world leaders, including India and Japan, make Xi’s presence uncomfortable and could hinder progress in resolving these conflicts.
Burning Questions: Insights into the G20 Summit
- Why isn’t Xi Jinping attending?
There are various theories surrounding Xi’s absence, including potential domestic troubles, economic challenges, and avoiding face-to-face confrontations with leaders involved in territorial disputes with China.
- What does this mean for the United States and India?
Xi’s decision to skip the summit is seen as a sign of India’s rise and presents an opportunity for the United States to promote alternative initiatives to China’s Belt and Road project. It also allows for discussions on condemning Russia’s war with Ukraine.
- Is a joint infrastructure deal in progress?
Biden, Modi, and leaders from Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates may finalize a significant project connecting Gulf and Arab countries through railways and seaports, countering China’s Belt and Road initiatives and enhancing trade efficiency.
- Will the African Union be granted permanent membership?
Reports suggest that the G20 will announce granting the African Union permanent membership status, giving African countries a stronger voice on global matters like climate change.
- Is India considering a name change?
Speculation arises from a state-issued dinner invitation referring to India as Bharat, potentially signaling a campaign to shed colonial ties. However, debates continue regarding the significance and implications of such a change.
The G20 summit’s main theme revolves around sustainable development, but discussions on the conflict in Ukraine and rising tensions with China are also expected to take center stage. As world leaders gather, the outcomes of these deliberations will shape the future of global politics and cooperation.
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