[Williams]

They don’t mention the talk that Xi had had his wings clipped in China. That could explain why he’s not showing up.

[nathanbedford]

Quite right.

There are two schools of thought emerging about the dark maneuverings going on at the highest level in China: either xi is consolidating his power, or he is on his way out.

A murderous dictator's lot is not a happy one. He must always fear revolution and a palace coup. Paranoia must be a constant corollary. Brazil is a long way from China and it might be hard for Xi to watch behind his back from there.

[Apparatchik]

Plus Putin had to send his hatchet man Lavrov in his place, for fear of being arrested as a war criminal.