A Chinese think tank affiliated with the country’s top intelligence agency has alleged that India, as the host of the G20 Summit, is exploiting the platform to advance its own agenda at the expense of China’s interests. The China Institute of Contemporary International Relations, operating under the Ministry of State Security, made these claims as G20 leaders convened for their annual summit in New Delhi, India. Notably, Chinese President Xi Jinping was absent from the event.
The think tank has accused India of introducing geopolitical disputes onto the global stage, asserting that this not only hinders India’s role as the G20 host but also exacerbates existing problems. India previously hosted G20 meetings in disputed territories, including Arunachal Pradesh, claimed by China, and Kashmir, contested by Pakistan.
In a commentary published on its WeChat account, the think tank stated, “In addition to causing diplomatic and public opinion turmoil, India’s actions in hosting meetings in disputed territories have also stolen the spotlight, sabotaging the cooperative atmosphere of the G20 meeting and hindering the achievement of substantive results.”
These allegations may provide insight into President Xi’s decision to skip the summit, which is being led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Chinese officials have not provided an explanation for Xi’s absence, with Premier Li Qiang representing China instead.
Tensions have persisted between India and China along their extensive border, with New Delhi describing the situation as fragile and dangerous. Additionally, India has increased its scrutiny of Chinese businesses and investments since 2020.
The think tank also accused India of using the issue of debt restructuring to target China, alleging that India has frequently collaborated with the United States and Western nations to promote the “debt trap” theory, which pertains to Beijing’s loans to poorer countries for infrastructure projects like ports and roads.
According to the think tank, India’s actions may “further create differences and rifts, hinder the international community from reaching consensus and substantive results, and will ultimately cause damage to its own international image and global development interests.”
Meanwhile, President Xi, during a visit to the northeastern province of Heilongjiang, has reportedly pledged to take further measures to revitalize the struggling northeast region, as reported by state media.
