Background on Key Figures and Relevance
Xi Jinping, the President of China, will not attend the upcoming G20 summit in South Africa. This marks the first time a G20 summit will not have all three leaders—the United States, Russia, and China—in attendance. The absence of Xi Jinping follows similar decisions from U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Who are the key figures?
- Xi Jinping: President of China, one of the world’s most influential leaders and key figures in global politics.
- Donald Trump: Former U.S. President, known for his controversial policies and international relations.
- Vladimir Putin: President of Russia, a significant global player with a history of assertive foreign policy.
Why is this relevant?
The G20 summit brings together leaders from the world’s major economies to discuss global economic issues. The absence of these three influential leaders signifies a shift in international diplomacy and could impact global cooperation on economic matters.
Details of the Summit and Leaders’ Absences
The 20th G20 summit will take place in South Africa from November 21 to 23. China’s Premier Li Qiang will represent the country at this summit, as Xi Jinping has opted not to attend.
Li Qiang’s itinerary
- Attend the G20 summit in Johannesburg from November 21-23
- Visit Russia for an Organization of Shanghai Cooperation meeting from November 17-18
- Visit Zambia for an official visit from November 19-20
U.S. and Russian Representatives
The United States will be represented by Vice President JD Vance, while Russia will be represented by Maxim Oreshkin, the deputy head of the Russian Presidential Administration.
Trump had previously threatened to boycott the summit, accusing South Africa of killing white farmers and confiscating their lands without evidence. Putin has not attended recent G20 meetings, and his absence from the South African summit adds another layer due to the International Criminal Court’s arrest warrant against him for alleged war crimes in Ukraine.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who will represent China at the G20 summit? Premier Li Qiang will attend in Xi Jinping’s place.
- Why are Trump and Putin not attending the G20 summit in South Africa? Trump threatened to boycott due to unfounded accusations against South Africa, while Putin has not attended recent G20 meetings and faces an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court.
- What is the significance of these leaders’ absences? The absence of these influential leaders may impact global cooperation on economic matters and signify a shift in international diplomacy.
