Post by : Rameen Ariff

Chinese President Xi Jinping, who has been in power for 13 years, is not attending this year’s United Nations General Assembly in New York. Instead, Premier Li Qiang is representing China, showing how Xi is traveling less and relying more on his close aides.

Xi’s decision is unusual because China often highlights the UN as an important platform against U.S. dominance in global affairs. Xi spoke at the UN in 2015 and again via video during the pandemic in 2020. This time, he chose to remain in Beijing while Li addressed world leaders. Analysts believe the sensitive state of U.S.-China relations may also be a reason, as both sides are preparing for a possible meeting between Xi and U.S. President Donald Trump later this year.

In his early years, Xi traveled widely, visiting the UK, U.S., and many other nations while promoting projects like the Belt and Road Initiative. Since the pandemic, however, he has become more selective, skipping key events such as the G20 Summit in India and the BRICS Summit in Brazil. Experts say Xi now prefers world leaders to come to Beijing, reflecting China’s growing influence.

Premier Li Qiang, promoted in 2023 despite criticism of his handling of Shanghai’s COVID-19 lockdown, is becoming more visible on the world stage. At the UN, he met with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, and Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker. Li also announced that China will no longer claim special benefits for developing countries in trade talks, though Xi himself addressed climate change goals in a separate video message.

At 72, Xi may also be cutting down on international trips to protect his health and conserve energy, while keeping tighter control at home. Analysts say this shift allows him to strengthen his power in Beijing while delegating responsibilities to trusted officials like Li Qiang. Even as Li’s global role grows, ultimate authority remains firmly in Xi’s hands.