Xi Jinping Hasn’t Set Foot Outside China for 600 Days
- President’s last trip was Myanmar days before Wuhan lockdown
- Concerns grow in West over lack of face-to-face meetings
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Xi Jinping hasn’t left China for one year, seven months and 22 days, the longest such stint of any Group of 20 leader. The question is whether his absence from major events will hinder progress on everything from climate change to disputes with the U.S.
Xi on Thursday virtually attended a summit of leaders from BRICS nations, the latest of more than a dozen gatherings he’s participated in so far this year via video. He’s also held about 60 calls with world leaders, including multiple chats with Russian President Vladimir Putin, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French leader Emmanuel Macron. Xi spoke with U.S. President Joe Biden by phone Friday.