Premier Li Qiang to represent China in the G20 summit [Image by The New York Times]
(The Post News) –China announced that Premier Li Qiang will attend the G20 Summit in Johannesburg later this month. This announcement caused a shift in expectations. The high-level gathering is now seen in a different light. This has prompted Pretoria to view Li’s attendance as a strategic opening. It is an opportunity to cement ties with the man many insiders refer to as China’s “future leader.”
Beijing confirmed Thursday that Premier Li will go to the summit at the invitation of South Africa. President Xi, who has limited his international travel in recent years, will remain in China. This follows a pattern. Li represented China at the 2023 G20 Summit in New Delhi. He also attended the 2025 BRICS Summit in Brazil.
Pretoria Aims to Strengthen Ties
Xi’s absence does not make this summit less important. According to South African officials, it does not affect China–South Africa relations at all. Instead, South Africa sees an opportunity to establish a more direct relationship with Li. A senior Pretoria official explained that engaging Li gives South Africa “clear access to the man shaping China’s economic strategy.”
Analysts say South Africa wants early alignment with Li, who influences China’s industrial, financial and technology policies. Pretoria expects this closer connection to increase Chinese investment and guarantee firmer cooperation under BRICS and the G20.
The forthcoming schedule of Li underlines the rising emphasis of China on Africa. Before the G20 Summit, he will travel to Moscow for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Heads of Government Meeting. Then he will head to Zambia on a two-day official visit.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian highlighted the significance of the summit. It is the first one to be held on African soil. China fully supports South Africa’s presidency of the G20. He said China intends to work with all countries on multilateralism. They will also focus on open trade and sustainable global growth.
Unlike the United States and Argentina, whose leaders are skipping the summit for political reasons, China emphasizes its dedication to the G20. Analysts contend that Xi’s absence reflects no disengagement. Scott Kennedy from CSIS noted that China still sees global governance institutions as important tools to communicate its message.
Still, Xi’s decision means the leaders of the world’s two biggest economies, China and the U.S., will both miss the G20 for the first time. U.S. President Donald Trump won’t attend. Mexico, Argentina, and Russia will also send senior ministers instead of heads of state.
Johannesburg Summit Shifts Toward the Global South
South Africa views Li’s presence as an opportunity to promote BRICS cooperation within the G20. Pretoria wants to build a closer relationship with Li’s open and pragmatic diplomatic style. They aim to amplify Africa’s voice within the forum.
“Li Qiang represents China’s next political era,” said a Johannesburg-based China analyst. “South Africa wants to build that relationship now.” Traditional powers are stepping back from the G20. Pretoria wants to use this shift in the balance of power to elevate African priorities. Li Qiang’s presence gives South Africa a powerful partner in that effort.
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