September 5, 2023 – America’s First Lady, Jill Biden, tested positive for COVID-19, according to an announcement from the White House on Monday. While Jill is experiencing mild symptoms, President Joe Biden has tested negative for the virus. The news comes as the world eagerly anticipates the G20 summit scheduled to take place in Delhi, with growing uncertainty surrounding the President’s attendance due to his wife’s diagnosis. Jill Biden, 72, contracted COVID-19 in August of last year, while President Joe Biden tested positive in July 2022. Both had since recovered from their respective infections.

The First Lady’s recent positive test raises concerns about the President’s plans to attend the upcoming G20 summit. The global event, which brings together leaders from the world’s most powerful economies, will be held in Delhi, India. President Biden’s participation in the summit is pivotal for addressing pressing global issues such as climate change, economic recovery, and international cooperation.

However, as news of Jill Biden’s COVID-19 diagnosis broke, questions have arisen regarding whether the President will still travel to India for the summit. The White House has yet to release an official statement addressing this matter. The possibility of President Biden’s absence at the G20 summit could have significant implications for the event’s agenda and discussions, as well as for the United States’ role in addressing critical global challenges.

Global leaders and citizens worldwide will be closely following developments in the coming days, awaiting official word from the White House on whether President Biden will attend the G20 summit or if alternative arrangements will be made to ensure U.S. representation at the critical international gathering. As the situation unfolds, the world will watch closely for updates on President Biden’s travel plans and the potential impact on the G20 summit’s proceedings.

New Delhi, September 4, 2023 – The President of China, Xi Jinping, and the President of Russia, Vladimir Putin, were in attendance. have both announced their decision not to participate in the upcoming 18th G20 summit in New Delhi on September 9 and 10. This announcement has taken the international community aback, as India, the current President of the G20, eagerly awaits the gathering of world leaders.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning officially confirmed President Xi’s absence, citing that Prime Minister Li Qiang would represent China at the summit upon the invitation of the Indian government. This decision comes amidst growing global anticipation for the meeting and heightened diplomatic engagement.
US President Joe Biden, who is set to arrive in Delhi on September 7 to participate in the G20 conference, expressed his disappointment regarding President Xi’s absence.

In an informal interaction with journalists, President Biden mentioned his keenness to meet President Xi despite the latter’s decision not to attend. “I was disappointed, but I will meet him,” stated President Biden, emphasizing the importance of diplomatic engagement even in challenging circumstances.

The absence of both President Xi and President Putin, who are prominent figures on the international stage, has raised eyebrows. However, their non-participation may be linked to concerns over various geopolitical issues and domestic priorities. Li Qiang, who will lead the Chinese delegation at the G20 summit, will likely visit India after attending the East Asia Conference in Jakarta. This visit underscores the significance of India’s role as the host nation for this year’s G20 summit.

This is not the first time President Xi has skipped a G20 summit. In 2021, he also did not attend the G20 summit held in Italy, citing COVID-19 restrictions imposed by China. With President Xi’s absence and President Putin also opting out, the dynamics of the upcoming G20 summit in New Delhi are poised for an exciting and potentially impactful shift. More than two dozen world leaders, including President Biden, are set to participate in the conference, making it a crucial forum for global dialogue and cooperation.