US President Joe Biden expressed profound disappointment on Sunday at the conspicuous absence of Chinese leader Xi Jinping from the impending G20 summit in India this week, as the United States ardently endeavors to ameliorate bilateral relations with Beijing.
In response to inquiries regarding Xi’s reported decision to abstain from participating in the gathering in New Delhi, President Biden, while addressing the press corps, lamented, “My sentiments are tinged with regret, albeit I shall have the opportunity to engage with him,” opting not to divulge further.
The complex tapestry of issues plaguing the bilateral relationship between the United States and China encompasses a litany of challenges, ranging from protracted trade disputes to the uncertain fate of Taiwan and the intricate matter of China’s pervasive presence in the South China Sea.
In earnest pursuit of revitalizing a more efficacious working rapport, the United States has undertaken a concerted effort, dispatching a procession of senior officials on diplomatic forays to China in recent months, notwithstanding the prevailing strains and discord.
On the preceding Thursday, a senior European Union dignitary disclosed that Xi’s presence at the G20 was a non-starter, with Premier Li Qiang slated to deputize in his stead.
It is worth noting that Xi and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi convened rare face-to-face deliberations during the recent BRICS group summit held in South Africa. However, palpable tensions still linger between these two Asian powerhouses.
The multifaceted relations between the world’s two most populous nations have endured a deep freeze since the tragic Himalayan border skirmish in 2020, which resulted in the loss of 20 Indian soldiers and a minimum of four Chinese troops.
AFP
