G20 Summit: China's Relentless Objections On Ukraine And Climate Issues Hampering Consensus, UK PM Reveals

The G20 nations gathered in New Delhi for a two-day summit are grappling with significant challenges in reaching a joint statement, as China's persistent objections regarding Ukraine and climate proposals have hindered consensus, according to UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.

Throughout India's tenure as the G20 chair, China has persistently worked to obstruct and challenge its leadership within the forum.

This opposition from China has extended beyond issues such as the Ukraine-Russia conflict, climate change, or energy policies. 

China has cast a wide net of objections, even targeting progressive initiatives such as Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment), women-led development, support for Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs), and India's overarching G20 presidency slogan, "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam."

Additionally, the issue of loan restructuring for vulnerable countries has also witnessed disparities in China's stance, given its substantial financial exposure to countries in Africa and Asia.

These nations have been grappling with a formidable burden of debt in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

This obstructive stance exhibited at various ministerial meetings has posed a substantial obstacle to achieving consensus within the G20.

Nevertheless, Indian officials have diligently strived to bridge gaps and narrow differences on most substantive issues.