China has announced its withdrawal from the G20 tourism summit set to be held in Indian-Administered Jammu and Kashmir, stating its firm opposition to hosting any G20 meetings in disputed territory. India, which is scheduled to chair this year’s G20 meeting, has organized various preparatory meetings across the country leading up to the summit in New Delhi in September.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin declared China’s opposition, stating, “China is firmly opposed to holding any kind of G20 meetings in disputed territory, and will not attend such meetings.” The region in question, Indian-Administered Jammu and Kashmir, had its special status revoked by India on August 5, 2019, leading to strained ties between the two countries. In 2020, a military clash in Ladakh resulted in the death of 24 soldiers, further straining the relationship.
The G20 summit is scheduled to take place in the capital of Indian-Administered Jammu and Kashmir, Srinagar, and will host the tourism working group for G20 members from May 22 to 24. Pakistan has also voiced opposition to New Delhi’s decision to hold the meeting in the disputed region.
India, in response to these reservations, has maintained that it has the right to hold meetings on its own territory. It emphasized that maintaining peace and tranquility on its borders is essential for normal relations with China.
The withdrawal of China from the G20 tourism summit in Indian-Administered Jammu and Kashmir adds another layer of complexity to the already strained relations between the two countries. The disputed status of the region remains a significant point of contention, and the decision to hold the summit there has sparked objections from both China and Pakistan. This move could potentially impact the dynamics and outcomes of the G20 meeting, as China’s absence will undoubtedly shape the discussions and negotiations surrounding tourism-related issues.
The G20 summit serves as a critical platform for global economic cooperation and decision-making. With China’s absence, the summit may lack comprehensive representation and participation, potentially affecting the effectiveness and inclusivity of the discussions and outcomes.