Why China’s Xi Jinping’s absence at G20 is considered a ‘coup’ by Pretoria

China's President Xi Jinping has decided to skip the G20 leaders' summit in Johannesburg, with Premier Li Qiang leading the delegation instead, a development South African officials view as a chance to build stronger ties with Beijing's potential future leader. This follows U.S. President Donald Trump's announcement of no delegation, alongside absences from leaders like Mexico's Claudia Sheinbaum, Argentina's Javier Milei, and Russia's Vladimir Putin, amid speculation about Xi's health and a political transition in China. Li, who has represented China at major international events since 2023, is seen by Pretoria as next in line after Xi. South Africa downplays the no-shows as a diplomatic opportunity, anticipating bilateral meetings with Li to advance relations beyond the current era.