Standing in for the absent heads of China, Russia, Japan and Mexico were lower-level ministers dispatched in their places, a smattering of the less-well-known among some of the globe's most recognizable leaders. In some ways, this year's in-person G-20 summit has a feeling of the world playing its second string . Cases are spiking in Russia, and Xi hasn't left China in 21 months as the virus spread across the world. Absence of Xi and Putin both helps and hinders BidenWhite House officials insist the absence of Putin and Xi at this weekend's conference is not, in fact, a lost opportunity. Even without Xi at the summit, China has proved an enduring topic of conversation.

Source: CNN November 01, 2021 03:06 UTC