President Joe Biden expressed his disappointment over reports that Chinese President Xi Jinping may forego this week's G20 summit in India.
Biden stated that, despite his disappointment, he looks forward to meeting with Xi in the future, though he did not specify when or where this might occur, according to the Straits Times.
Biden Expresses Disappointment Over Xi's Potential G20 Summit Absence
This announcement follows multiple media reports from the previous week indicating that Xi will probably not attend the G20 summit in New Delhi.
Biden's upcoming voyage to the summit, which was announced last week, is expected to provide the United States with another opportunity to strengthen cooperation with Indo-Pacific allies, effectively counterbalancing China's influence in the region.
Last week,President Biden expressed his optimism that Chinese President Xi Jinping would attend the upcoming summit, which is widely viewed as a chance to ease the ongoing tensions between the United States and China.
The first face-to-face encounter between the two leaders since Biden's inauguration occurred at last year's G20 summit in Bali, Indonesia. During that meeting, President Biden emphasized the significance of managing their countries' differences in order to prevent competition from escalating into conflict.
On multiple fronts, including technology, espionage, economic competition, and military capabilities, tensions between the United States and China have continued to escalate.
Several close military encounters in the South China Sea and Taiwan Strait have further strained relations, as have incidents such as a February surveillance balloon encounter and recent reports indicating that China has operated an espionage base in Cuba at least since 2019.
The National Security Adviser of the White House, Jake Sullivan, has verified that President Biden will visit India from September 7 to 10 for the G20 Summit. During the summit, President Biden is scheduled to participate in a number of bilateral meetings with world leaders; however, Sullivan did not specify which leaders would be present.
Several US leaders, including Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo, Secretary of State Antony Blinken, and Secretary of the Treasury Janet Yellen, have visited China in recent months in an effort to enhance bilateral relations.
President Biden expressed his disappointment on Monday over Chinese Premier Xi Jinping's apparent decision not to attend the two-day G20 summit scheduled for September 9 and 10 in India. This comes amid Washington's efforts to restore ties with Beijing.
When asked about Xi's reported absence from the New Delhi gathering, Biden responded, "I am disappointed, but I will get to see him," without providing any additional information.
During his trip to India, President Biden will meet with fellow G20 participants to discuss a variety of global issues. These include the transition to renewable energy and the fight against climate change, mitigating the economic and social effects of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and enhancing the capacity of multilateral development banks to combat poverty and address significant transnational challenges around the world, The Hill reported.
Reinforcing US Commitment and Tackling Global Challenges
On August 29, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre stated that President Biden would reaffirm the United States' commitment to the G20 as the preeminent global forum for economic cooperation. The President is also expected to address a broad range of issues, ranging from the social repercussions of Russia's actions in Ukraine to the urgent transnational challenges affecting countries around the globe.
The G20 presidency was assumed by India on December 1 of the previous year. The upcoming 18th G20 Summit in New Delhi functions as the culmination of various G20 processes and meetings held throughout the year.
The summit will conclude with the ratification of a G20 Leaders' Declaration, reaffirming the commitment of the leaders to the priorities discussed and agreed upon during ministerial and working group meetings.
The G20, comprised of 19 nations and the European Union, accounts for approximately 85 percent of global GDP, over 75 percent of global trade, and nearly two-thirds of the world's population, as per the Big News Network.
