Chinese President Xi Jinping surprised observers this week by failing to show up for a major speech during a summit meeting of non-Western global powers in South Africa, fueling suspicions the ailing Chinese economy is dimming his political fortunes.
Mr. Xi was in Johannesburg for a summit meeting of leaders of the BRICS nations – Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa — and failed to show up for the speech on Wednesday. Instead, Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao was sent to deliver the remarks, which included indirect political attacks on the United States.
Beijing watchers say it is very unusual for a Chinese leader to make such an unusual departure from scheduled plans at a major world meeting. Speculation over the reasons behind the absence range from a health incident to something that may have happened in China warranting his attention.In Beijing, Foreign Ministry Spokesman Wang Wenbin did not answer questions from reporters about Mr. Xi’s missed speech.
The Biden administration recently imposed restrictions on U.S. microchip manufacturers in an effort to prevent American cutting-edge technology from boosting the Chinese military. China denounced the curbs as bullying and economic coercion. In seeking to promote China’s brand of communist system, Mr. Xi said in the speech that developing nations should “expand political and security cooperation to uphold peace and tranquility.”
In yet another veiled criticism of Washington, Mr. Xi said international rules should be written by “all countries” based on United Nations principles, and not “dictated by those with the strongest muscles or loudest voice.” “While in the PRC, Secretary Raimondo looks forward to constructive discussions on issues relating to the U.S.-China commercial relationship, challenges faced by U.S. businesses, and areas for potential cooperation,” the department said in a statement.
Shortly after the Commerce action on Monday, China’s Ministry of Commerce announced Ms. Raimondo’s upcoming visit, an indication that removing the Chinese firms from the list may have been a pre-condition for the trip. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said the move by the Biden administration shows disputes can be resolved through communication.
Another danger is economic turmoil within China and disputes among leaders that could lead to Chinese military forces attacking Taiwan, he said.
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