Xi Jinping Likely to Skip ASEAN Summit in Manila
Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected to miss the ASEAN Summit in Manila, with Premier Li Qiang likely to represent Beijing.
In a move that follows recent diplomatic patterns, Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected to skip the 49th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit and its related gatherings in Manila. Instead, Beijing is likely to be represented by Chinese Premier Li Qiang, according to reports from The Manila Times.
The Philippine Government's Stance
The Philippines' Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) addressed the reports regarding the Chinese leader's expected absence on Wednesday. Dax Imperial, the DFA Assistant Secretary and spokesperson on ASEAN affairs, clarified that it has become customary for the Chinese Premier to attend these summits rather than President Xi.
While the pattern suggests Premier Li Qiang will lead the delegation, Imperial noted that Manila is still awaiting formal confirmation. He mentioned that such official notifications typically arrive closer to the actual date of the summit.
Diplomatic Coordination and High-Level Meetings
The news comes amid active diplomatic communication between Manila and Beijing. Foreign Affairs Secretary Maria Theresa Lazaro recently held a phone conversation with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. During the call, Lazaro conveyed that Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr is looking forward to Premier Li's participation in the Manila gatherings.
In return, Foreign Minister Wang Yi expressed China's anticipation for President Marcos' attendance at the 33rd Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders' Meeting, scheduled to take place in Shenzhen from November 18 to 19. Both nations have assured each other that their respective leaders will be provided with the necessary courtesies and assistance during these high-profile events.
Global Leaders Heading to Manila
While President Xi may be absent, the ASEAN gathering is set to attract other major global figures. US President Donald Trump and United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres are both expected to attend the summit.
The participation of President Trump was confirmed by the Philippine Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro. According to reports, Trump is planned to visit the Philippines on November 16 for the ASEAN Summit before proceeding to China for the APEC Summit in Shenzhen.
Washington views this visit as a strategic move to reinforce its commitment to Southeast Asian allies and to further its national security and economic goals in the region.
The US-China Dynamic
The upcoming APEC Summit will provide another critical opportunity for President Trump and President Xi to meet. This follows Xi's state visit to the United States from September 23 to 25, where the two leaders engaged in what was described as a "candid and in-depth exchange" regarding global strategic issues.
Following that visit, Foreign Minister Wang Yi emphasized that both leaders agreed to foster a constructive relationship based on three core principles:
- Respect: Recognizing each other's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and chosen social and development paths.
- Fairness: Pursuing mutually beneficial cooperation and resolving differences through consultation, while rejecting "zero-sum" competition.
- Reciprocity: Ensuring a balanced relationship where gains are not made at the expense of the other party.