G20 Showdown: Is China concerned about India’s Path to Success

China opposes various matters at the G20, including Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment), women-led development initiatives, support for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and India’s chosen G20 presidency slogan, “Vasudhaiva kutumbakam” (the world is one family), according to a recent newspaper report.

Despite New Delhi’s efforts to bridge differences on substantial matters, China’s obstructive stance at multiple ministerial meetings presents a significant challenge to achieving consensus within the G20, as reported by the Times of India on September 2. New Delhi is awaiting written confirmation from Beijing regarding President Xi Jinping’s participation in the upcoming G20 summit. China’s stance at G20 meetings has garnered attention in diplomatic circles, particularly in the context of the ongoing border conflict between the two neighboring nations, which has persisted for the past three years.

According to an ambassador quoted by the daily, “It’s often been a ping-pong game between India and China, and the G7 members are looking at the two sides, trying to figure out what’s happening in the room.”

China’s differing positions on issues like loan restructuring for vulnerable countries carry significance due to its extensive financial involvement with nations in Africa and Asia. These divergent positions can present significant challenges in reaching consensus on international matters.

A representative from a global agency who attended some meetings suggested that certain objections from China might be driven by a desire to hinder progress and prevent India from achieving “success” during its G20 presidency. India previously played a crucial role in securing a consensus at the Bali leaders’ summit last year, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s message that “this is not an era of war” resolved the issue, resulting in a declaration at the end of the meeting. The Bali spirit was expected to continue during India’s presidency, but officials noted that China’s stance has created tensions and dampened the overall atmosphere within the G20.