By Mosa Cibi
As the world takes note when a leader of President Xi Jinping’s stature steps back from the global stage, as he has done for the past two G20 Summits, sending Premier Li Qiang in his stead.
While the decision has invited sharp critiques—especially when juxtaposed with the openly hostile US boycott of the South Africa summit driven in part bt the debunked claims of ‘white farmers genocide’—the Chinese choice is far more nuanced, reflecting a strategic shift in a confident, highly centralized system that actually strengthens the entire leadership structure.
The power of trust: A very human story
At the heart of this decision is a powerful, yet often overlooked, human element: trust.
Premier Li Qiang is not merely a messenger; he is the official responsible for China’s vast, complex economy. For President Xi to entrust him with the G20, the world’s premier economic forum, is the strongest possible signal that Li possesses the full confidence and mandate of the President.
This delegation isn’t about shunning the world; it’s about a pragmatic division of labor. By allowing Li Qiang to lead the economic charge—engaging with counterparts on global debt, development, and trade—President Xi frees his own time for what he views as the single most critical task: managing domestic stability. He is choosing the profound, often quiet work of steering China’s internal ship—a vessel currently navigating major economic transitions—over the political theatre of a major foreign trip.
Delegation does not mean isolation
The gentle truth is that within China’s highly centralised system, delegation like this doesn’t lead to policy drift or “isolation” of the central leadership. On the contrary, it acts as a crucial pressure-release valve and a testament to policy continuity.
- Policy Stays Central: Unlike Western systems where a deputy might signal a different policy direction, in China, Premier Li’s mandate is intrinsically linked to the central leadership’s decisions. The policy is set in Beijing, regardless of who presents it abroad.
- Empowering the System: By allowing a trusted central leader like Li Qiang to represent the nation at the G20, President Xi is demonstrating the strength and depth of the central leadership bench. This move proves that China’s governance doesn’t falter when the paramount leader chooses to prioritise the home front. It shows a strong core that can maintain continuity and effectiveness even with the President remaining home.
South Africa’s Head of Public Diplomacy, Clayson Monyela, highlighted this deliberate pattern when noting Xi’s recent approach to international travel:
“Pres Xi has not been travelling of late. China was represented by Premier Li (number 2) at the UN General Assembly (\#UNGA80) in NY, \#BRICSSummit in Brazil & \#ASEANSummit in Malaysia.”
This quote confirms that the G20 is part of a larger, conscious strategy of delegation across multiple top-tier global forums.
A strategic nod
The strategic choice to send Li Qiang is especially poignant in the context of the South Africa taking over the G20 Summit from Brazil. While the US issued a politically motivated boycott, Xi’s delegation ensured China’s unwavering commitment to its BRICS partner and the priorities of the Global South.
China’s action is interpreted by South Africa and other allies as committed, high-level support—a political hug from one of the world’s most crucial partners, delivered by a fully empowered hand.
In short, President Xi’s absence is a deliberate, calculated action of a leader who is comfortable in his authority. It is not a sign of retreat or a weakening of central control, but rather an affirmation of the immense trust placed in Premier Li Qiang and a strong, systemic commitment to the work happening at home.
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