Major Moments Highlight Diplomacy, Tensions, and Snubs

The G20 summit in Bali marked Chinese President Xi Jinping’s return to the international stage after three years of pandemic isolation. The event featured significant diplomatic engagements and geopolitical moments.

Xi Jinping’s Global Reappearance
Xi’s presence dominated the summit, with leaders like French President Emmanuel Macron and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese seeking dialogue. Xi’s bilateral meeting with U.S. President Joe Biden set a cautiously optimistic tone despite underlying tensions.

Human Rights and Grievances Addressed
Albanese’s meeting with Xi was a breakthrough, as the first such interaction since 2016. However, the Australian leader raised concerns about detained Australians Cheng Lei and Yang Hengjun, alongside Beijing’s treatment of Uyghurs in Xinjiang.

Russia’s Isolation
Leaders largely avoided engaging with Russia, underscoring its pariah status due to the invasion of Ukraine. The summit showcased a unified stance against Moscow’s aggression.

Broader Bilateral Opportunities
The summit enabled leaders to address grievances directly, making it a pivotal platform for candid diplomacy.

Focus on Stability Amid Tensions
While human rights abuses and geopolitical friction loomed, the summit aimed for stability and cooperation, reflecting a careful balance in international relations.