Beijing: Chinese President Xi Jinping will not attend this week's Group of 20 (G20) summit in India. Instead, Premier Li Qiang will represent China at the September 9-10 gathering. Relations between China and India have been strained over issues such as their disputed border, trade frictions, and India's growing ties with the United States.

The border dispute led to a clash in the Ladakh region in 2020, resulting in casualties on both sides. Tensions have persisted, with both nations stationing large numbers of troops and military equipment in the region. Additionally, trade disputes and geopolitical rivalries have further strained their relations.

China has not provided an official reason for Xi's absence from the G20 summit, but it eliminates the possibility of an interaction between Xi and U.S. President Joe Biden, as China-U.S. relations remain strained.

Xi's absence from the summit also comes at a time when China faces various challenges, including territorial disputes in the South China Sea and Taiwan, economic recovery post-COVID-19, and foreign investment concerns.

Russian President Vladimir Putin will also be absent from the G20 summit. Putin is facing war crimes charges over Russia's invasion of Ukraine and is planning a visit to China next month.

These developments highlight the complex and evolving dynamics in international relations and regional geopolitics.