New Delhi - Xi Jinping's decision to forgo attending the G20 summit has raised concerns about China's unpredictability and the future of the G20. The reasons behind this move are not entirely clear; it could be linked to diplomatic tensions with India, a desire to strengthen the recently expanded BRICS forum, or the need to address China's economic challenges, including the impending default of a major property developer.

This absence marks a significant departure from Xi's previous approach. He has participated in every G20 leaders' summit since taking office in 2012 and had been emphasizing the importance of dialogue and cooperation with other countries. However, now it appears that Xi is adopting a different strategy, avoiding an event where he might face difficult questions about China's economic trajectory, military actions towards Taiwan, and support for Russia after its invasion of Ukraine. This further reinforces concerns among investors about China's growing unpredictability.

Xi's decision not to attend the G20 is particularly notable because he recently attended a BRICS summit in South Africa that also involved India. This move could undermine the credibility and unity of the BRICS bloc and demonstrate the limitations of its ability to present a unified front, especially as an alternative to US-led alliances.

Xi's upcoming major international event is the Belt and Road Forum in Beijing in October. His absence from the G20 suggests a shift in his approach, with some experts suggesting that he now expects foreign dignitaries to come to him, reflecting an "emperor mindset."

While Xi initially engaged in a flurry of diplomacy to enhance China's global influence, including meetings with world leaders and mediating between Saudi Arabia and Iran, he has scaled back international travel significantly in recent times. This shift in focus and his avoidance of events like the G20 could raise questions about transparency in China's leadership and policymaking.

Xi's preference for concentrating on grand visions rather than daily politics may resemble Mao's leadership style but carries its own set of risks, potentially leading to a disconnect between leadership and pressing challenges. His next major international appearance, the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation leaders' summit, may also be uncertain due to political considerations.

Overall, Xi's decision to skip the G20 and his evolving leadership style are generating concerns about China's behavior on the global stage and the effectiveness of international forums like the G20.