G20 Summit 2023: Responding to a question on the India-China border tensions impacting the G20 Summit In New Delhi, being chaired by India, US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said it was up to China to decide what role they wanted to play and if they wanted to play the role of spoiler that option was available to them, however, adding that as the Chair, India would want Beijing and every other member country to participate in a constructive way.


"As far as the question of tensions between India and China affecting the (G20) summit - really that's up to China. If China wants to come in and play the role of spoiler, of course, that option is available to them. What I think the Chair, India, will encourage them to do what we, the United States and every other member, virtually every other member of the G20 will do, is encourage them to come in, in a constructive way on climate, on multilateral development, bank reform, on debt relief, on technology and set aside the geopolitical questions and really focus on problem-solving and delivering for the developing countries,” Sullivan said.


This comes after it was confirmed that Chinese President Xi Jinping would skip the summit after the country's Foreign Ministry said the delegation will be led by Premier Li Qiang.


At the invitation of the Government of India, Premier of the State Council Li will attend the 18th G20 Summit to be held in New Delhi, India on September 9 and 10, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning said in a brief statement.


India Hosting G20 Summit In New Delhi


India is all set to host the annual G20 Summit in New Delhi on September 9 and 10 and is expected to see the largest participation of the heads of states, all member and guest countries over the two-day event.


At the G-20 Summit, Sullivan said President Joe Biden will be clear that the United States expects real progress.


“He will be clear that we need all G20 members to be constructive and at the table, with no exceptions. We'll also be making progress on other key priorities, from climate to health to digital technology, including commitments, with respect to a more inclusive digital transformation and a responsible path and approach to AI development,” he noted.


“In addition, we'll spotlight the progress that we've been making on the Partnership for Global Infrastructure Investment, or what we call PGI. We'll have some announcements that we're excited about. Now, we know that there will be continued focus on how the G20 deals with Russia's illegal and ongoing war in Ukraine,” he said.


Russia-Ukraine War


Speaking about the Russia-Ukraine war, Sullivan held Moscow responsible for waging the 'illegal war' which he said has devastated social and economic consequences, and the poorest countries on the planet are bearing the brunt of it. He added, "President Biden will call for a just and durable peace founded in respect for international law, principles of the UN Charter, the precepts of territorial integrity and sovereignty.“ 


Sullivan said Biden will continue to emphasise that the United States will support Ukraine for as long as it takes to redeem these principles.


"Last but not least, and this is important, you'll see that the United States will make it clear that we remain committed to the G20, as a critical forum for all of the major economies of the world to come together for global problem-solving,” he told reporters.


At a moment when the international economy is suffering from historic and overlapping shocks, it is more important than ever to have a working forum with the world's largest economies to deliver meaningful outcomes, Sullivan said.


"So, in a sign of that commitment, the United States is looking forward to hosting the G20 in 2026,” he said.