By Manisha Sahu | America News World
November 21,2025
Johannesburg is preparing to host one of the most significant diplomatic gatherings of the year as the G20 Leaders’ Summit opens this weekend. For the first time since its inception, the annual meeting is being held on African soil—a milestone moment that many hoped would mark a shift toward greater representation, global south leadership, and equitable economic cooperation. But the event is already overshadowed by a major geopolitical rupture: the United States is expected to remain absent after President Donald Trump announced a boycott, according to reports from the Associated Press.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, however, introduced an unexpected twist when he revealed the US had indicated a “change of mind” and expressed interest in eventually participating. As of now, though, Washington’s position remains unclear, raising questions about America’s strategic priorities at a time of heightened global tensions.
Adding to the complications, Chinese President Xi Jinping will also skip the summit, though China is sending Premier Li Qiang as its representative. The absence of leaders from the world’s two largest economies has sparked concern among diplomats and experts, who warn that the summit’s ability to find common ground on global economic challenges may be significantly weakened.
Below are eight key takeaways that explain what’s at stake, why the absences matter, and what the world can expect as the summit unfolds.
1. A Historic First: The G20 Comes to Africa
This year’s summit is a landmark moment for the African continent. Johannesburg has been preparing extensively, using the opportunity to show Africa’s ambition to become a more influential voice in international decision-making. Hosting the G20 also aligns with calls to restructure global financial institutions and give emerging economies more meaningful participation.
South Africa aims to highlight issues such as:
– global economic reforms
– fairer climate finance
– technology equity
– strengthened multilateralism
The continent sees the summit as a symbolic shift away from the dominance of Western and Asian power blocs and toward a more inclusive global architecture.
2. The US Boycott: A Diplomatic Shockwave
President Donald Trump’s decision to boycott the summit sent immediate shockwaves across diplomatic circles. While the White House has not given a detailed explanation, analysts point to several likely reasons:
– growing tensions between the US and several G20 economies
– disagreements over global climate commitments
– Trump’s skepticism toward multilateral institutions
– domestic political considerations
The US absence threatens to undercut several priority discussions, from global inflation management to international security cooperation.
However, Ramaphosa’s comment that the US may reconsider leaves room for speculation. If Washington sends a late delegation—even a symbolic one—it could soften the diplomatic fallout. For now, though, the boycott stands as a significant disruption to the summit’s momentum.
3. China’s Xi Jinping Also Missing
In another major blow, China has confirmed that President Xi Jinping will not attend. Instead, Premier Li Qiang will represent the country.
Xi’s absence comes at a sensitive moment in global politics:
– US–China tensions remain high
– China is dealing with economic slowdown concerns
– BRICS dynamics are shifting after expansion
– Beijing faces diplomatic strain with several G20 members
Though China will remain engaged through Li Qiang, the lack of top-level leadership reduces the likelihood of breakthroughs during bilateral sideline meetings.
4. India’s Strong Presence: PM Modi to Present “One Earth, One Family, One Future”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives with a strong agenda emphasizing India’s global philosophy: “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”—the world is one family. Building on India’s active geopolitical role, Modi is expected to focus on:
– climate justice and green development
-digital public infrastructure
-global south representation
-equitable economic growth
-counter-terrorism cooperation
India aims to position itself as a bridge between developed and developing nations, especially at a moment when the US and China are stepping back from top-level engagement.
5. Momentum Threatened by Absences
The G20 is most effective when its major economies—especially the US and China—are aligned on overarching global challenges. Their simultaneous absence risks:
– slowing down discussions on climate finance
– weakening commitments on global economic stability
– reducing progress on debt restructuring for vulnerable nations
– diminishing the weight of the summit’s final declaration
Experts note that a summit weakened by absent leaders may struggle to produce meaningful outcomes.
6. African Priorities Take Center Stage
South Africa has outlined a strong agenda emphasizing issues relevant to Africa and the developing world:
– pandemic recovery support
– debt relief
– food security solutions
– investment in youth and skills
reform of global institutions such as the IMF and World Bank
By hosting the G20, Africa hopes to secure long-term commitments that could reshape the continent’s economic trajectory.
7. Security, Logistics & Tight Diplomacy in Johannesburg
Johannesburg is under heavy security, with tightened checkpoints, aerial surveillance, and restricted zones around the summit venues. Diplomats from around the world have been arriving over the past week, preparing for bilateral talks that often shape global relations more than formal group sessions.
Despite logistical challenges, South Africa is confident in its preparations and hopes the summit will strengthen its global standing.
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8. The Global Economic Climate Adds Pressure
The summit comes at a time when the world faces pressing challenges:
– inflation remains stubborn in several major economies
– geopolitical conflicts continue to destabilize supply chains
– energy security concerns persist
– developing nations are struggling with high debt burdens
– climate catastrophes are increasing in frequency and severity
With the absence of the US and China’s top leadership, the world fears a vacuum in coordinated leadership at precisely the moment when collaboration is most needed.
Conclusion
As the G20 Summit opens in Johannesburg, the world watches closely. Historic opportunities for African empowerment and global south leadership are intertwined with deep uncertainties triggered by the absence of major world leaders. Whether last-minute diplomatic shifts will bring the US into the conversation remains to be seen. For now, South Africa—and the world—are moving ahead, hoping that this year’s summit can still produce meaningful progress despite its challenges.