Premier Li Qiang touts unity at G20

When Washington skips a multilateral event, Beijing doesn't waste the opening.

Premier Li Qiang used the G20 Leaders' Summit to push for unity – a thinly veiled jab at the US boycott of the meeting.

• He warned that "rampant unilateralism and protectionism" are undermining global growth, urging G20 members to "return to the right track of unity and cooperation" (MoFA).

ICYDK: The Trump administration boycotted this year's G20 – the first ever held in Africa – over claims that South Africa's government represses its white minority population.

Then, Li listed priority areas where China stands ready to work with the G20, like:

• Protecting the environment and climate. Li called for "upholding the spirit of science" and referenced COP 30 – which the US also skipped.
• Delivering the energy transition. Li touted China's financing and green energy investments across the Global South.
• Developing and regulating artificial intelligence (AI). Li highlighted Chinese firms' open-source approach.
• Ensuring critical minerals are developed sustainably and used peacefully. Li pitched a new initiative on green mining and minerals.

Ouch: Leaders adopted a summit declaration referencing climate change and calling for peace in "the Occupied Palestinian Territory" – over Washington's loud but distant objections (Reuters).

Get smart: By talking up cooperation across climate, minerals, and AI in Washington's absence, Beijing strengthens its narrative that it – not the US – is the responsible steward of multilateralism.