Chinese Premier Li Qiang arrives in India in Xi's stead, a major diplomatic test awaits

Chinese Premier Li Qiang has landed in Indian capital, New Delhi, marking his first major international diplomatic test as he attends G20 summit. While he attended East Asia Summit in Jakarta earlier this week, G20 presents its own unique challenges, with a higher profile and presence of Western leers critical of China, particularly regarding its stance on Ukraine crisis. This crisis threatens to disrupt a joint communique for first time in history of G20.

President Xi Jinping's absence from summit has raised questions. While no official reason was provided for his non-attendance, some observers view it as a signal of China's displeasure with West and an effort to avoid pressure or isolation in absence of Russian President Vlimir Putin. Reports also suggest that domestic political factors, including economic challenges, may have influenced President Xi's decision to stay away.

Tensions in China-India relations

Li Qiang's arrival in India coincides with a low point in China-India relations. Officials from both sides have indicated that no structured bilateral meeting is planned as of now. However, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Li will have opportunity for informal interactions along sidelines of G20. It's worth noting that substantive discussions on Line of Actual Control (LAC) situation are unlikely since Li, unlike previous Chinese Premiers, primarily handles economic matters due to significant downgring of Premier's office under President Xi Jinping's one-man rule.

Ahe of his arrival, Ma Jia, charge d'affaires and acting envoy in Chinese Embassy in New Delhi, emphasised importance of both countries "restoring development as centerpiece on international agenda." Chinese officials and experts have criticised "politicisation" of G20, arguing that it should primarily focus on economic issues rar than political crises such as one in Ukraine.

Speaking on current state of China-India relations, Ma stated that relations are generally stable. She emphasised that President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Modi have h two face-to-face interactions in past year, which have defined tone and direction of efforts to stabilise and improve bilateral relations. She also noted that border situation between two countries remains stable, with ongoing communication through diplomatic and military channels.

India has me it clear that a return to normalcy in relations is contingent upon restoration of peace on Line of Actual Control (LAC). However, Chinese military has been slow to progress in disengagement negotiations and restoration of India's patrolling rights on LAC.

Li's participation in G20 summit comes at a crucial juncture, where diplomatic challenges and strained bilateral relations loom large. world will closely watch as discussions unfold during this high-stakes international garing.