China’s Potential Snub: Xi Jinping’s Absence at G20 Summit May Indicate Escalating Border Tensions with India
China’s President Xi Jinping’s possible absence at the upcoming G20 Summit in New Delhi could be seen as evidence of escalating border tensions with India. Veteran journalist and geopolitical expert Fareed Rafiq Zakaria expressed this view in an exclusive interview with India Today’s News Director Rahul Kanwal. Zakaria highlighted that of the 16 border disputes China has had with its neighbors over the last two decades, the issue with India remains unresolved. He suggested that there may be a competitive or sensitive element tied to this particular disagreement, potentially linked to Tibet. If Xi Jinping decides to skip the G20 Summit, it will further indicate China’s reluctance to address the tensions with India and will be seen as a powerful move undermining Prime Minister Modi personally. Adding to the significance of this situation, Russian President Vladimir Putin will also be absent from the summit, with Russia represented by Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. The Indian government is awaiting a written confirmation from China regarding President Xi Jinping’s participation in the summit, which is scheduled for September 9 and 10.