China is urging the G20 to enhance its collaboration and foster consensus to tackle global challenges, contributing positively to worldwide economic recovery and shared development, announced Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning during a regular press briefing. Premier Li Qiang is set to attend the virtual G20 Leaders’ Summit at the invitation of India.
In September, the G20 New Delhi Summit achieved significant consensus on collaborative action, Mao noted. Given the current tumultuous international landscape and the sluggish global economic recovery, she stressed the importance of reinforcing the G20’s partnership to address global challenges and aid in economic recovery and development.
The virtual G20 summit, scheduled for Wednesday and hosted by India, will include leaders from all G20 member nations, the chair of the African Union, nine guest countries, and the heads of 11 international organizations.
Russian President Vladimir Putin is expected to address the summit, marking the first time in a while for both Putin and Western leaders to participate. The Kremlin highlighted Putin’s intention to present Russia’s perspective on the deeply unstable world situation.
The upcoming virtual summit will build upon key outcomes from the September summit and review developments since then. Topics such as the Israel-Palestine conflict and the Ukraine crisis are anticipated to be discussed, with India focusing on the challenges facing developing countries.
As the rotating chair of the G20 this year, India’s hosting of two summits within one year reflects its aspiration to be recognized as a global power, according to Lin Minwang, deputy director at the Center for South Asian Studies of Fudan University. The expert also highlighted Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s aim to shape himself as a global leader through these summits, enhancing political leverage for upcoming elections.
The virtual summit signifies India’s efforts to strengthen its leadership among Global South countries, particularly after formally including the African Union in the G20. However, the success of India’s goal to enhance international influence through the virtual summit remains uncertain.
