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International
China May Skip ASEAN Summit; PM Li Qiang Likely to Represent Beijing
✍️ Amar Ujala · Rajasthan
🗓 05 Nov 2026, 07:01 PM
👁 10
Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected to stay away from the upcoming ASEAN summit, with Prime Minister Li Qiang poised to lead China's delegation.
Beijing is weighing the decision to keep President Xi Jinping away from the forthcoming ASEAN summit, a move that would signal a strategic distance from the regional gathering. Sources close to the Chinese foreign ministry indicate that the leadership prefers to limit direct presidential involvement, opting instead for a senior ministerial presence.
Prime Minister Li Qiang, who heads the State Council, is being prepared to lead the Chinese delegation. His participation would maintain Beijing's engagement with ASEAN members while adhering to the decision to limit President Xi's travel.
The ASEAN summit, scheduled to convene later this month, will bring together heads of state and senior officials from the ten Southeast Asian nations. China's representation will be closely watched for indications of its diplomatic priorities amid ongoing regional challenges.
Analysts suggest that Li Qiang's attendance could underscore continuity in China's foreign policy, even as the president remains absent. The arrangement reflects a balance between high-level engagement and the logistical or political considerations influencing Beijing's summit strategy.
Prime Minister Li Qiang, who heads the State Council, is being prepared to lead the Chinese delegation. His participation would maintain Beijing's engagement with ASEAN members while adhering to the decision to limit President Xi's travel.
The ASEAN summit, scheduled to convene later this month, will bring together heads of state and senior officials from the ten Southeast Asian nations. China's representation will be closely watched for indications of its diplomatic priorities amid ongoing regional challenges.
Analysts suggest that Li Qiang's attendance could underscore continuity in China's foreign policy, even as the president remains absent. The arrangement reflects a balance between high-level engagement and the logistical or political considerations influencing Beijing's summit strategy.