Xi Jinping and Putin’s Absence at G20 Summit Allows Biden to Strengthen Alliances
The G20 economic summit, a longstanding platform for world leaders to address global challenges, is taking place this weekend. However, the absence of two major players, China’s Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin, is notable. President Joe Biden, despite his wife’s COVID-19 diagnosis, has traveled to India to attend the summit, emphasizing that the event has not lost its importance.
In the past, American presidents have utilized the G20 as an opportunity to engage with authoritarian leaders and shape a more U.S.-friendly policy agenda. However, the changing dynamics of the G20 are evident as leaders like Xi and Putin prioritize domestic economic problems and focus on building alternative multinational partnerships under their control.
The decision by Xi and Putin to send high-ranking representatives instead of attending the summit raises questions about their commitment to the forum and their relationships with other nations. Although the U.S. remains committed to the G20 as a critical platform for global problem-solving, the absence of these leaders deprives the gathering of face-to-face communication, which is crucial for addressing pressing global issues.
Xi’s absence comes at a time when China is grappling with economic challenges, local debt problems, a property crisis, and strained relations with G20 host nation India. If Xi is intentionally avoiding the G20 to promote competitor organizations like BRICS, it could be a strategic mistake. The G20 remains the best forum to have difficult conversations and build trust, especially with allies present.
Biden, known for his emphasis on international summits, sees the G20 as an opportunity to strengthen alliances and engage with both allies and countries with which the U.S. has difficult relations. At last year’s G20 summit, Biden met with Xi for the first time since taking office. Although there has been no direct communication since, high-ranking officials have traveled between the two nations, and Biden expressed hope for a meeting with Xi later this year.
Despite Xi’s absence, Biden intends to make the case for U.S. leadership abroad and emphasize the importance of existing multilateral financial institutions like the World Bank and IMF. While Xi’s absence is unfortunate, it provides an opportunity for Biden to reinforce alliances and demonstrate Russia’s isolation due to its aggression in Ukraine.
The G20 remains a vital platform for addressing global challenges and advancing diplomatic efforts. Although the absence of key leaders like Xi and Putin may affect its overall effectiveness, the United States is committed to making the most out of this summit. Biden’s participation allows him to engage with world leaders, strengthen alliances, and advocate for U.S. interests in the pursuit of global peace and stability.
