Davos will mark a crowning moment for Xi’s China, as Europe faces a new world axis

André Loesekrug-Pietri says the first-ever Chinese presidential presence at the World Economic Forum and the marked absence of top European leaders underline the reality of a G2 world

Reading Time:2 minutes

President Xi Jinping addresses the audience via video link during the opening ceremony of the third annual World Internet Conference in Wuzhen, Zhejiang province, last November 16. His presence at Davos is set to mark a consecration for China. Photo: Reuters

Published: 11:00am, 15 Jan 2017Updated: 6:39pm, 15 Jan 2017

The world is tilting. China continues to weave its web: first commercially, then economically – by its international acquisitions – and now diplomatically and militarily.

This week, in the Swiss resort of Davos, it will probably be a consecration, with the confirmed presence of President Xi Jinping (習近平) at the World Economic Forum. That is an event in itself, as it is not that often that heads of states of major powers come to Davos, except for the regular – former US president Bill Clinton.

Xi Jinping to be first Chinese president to attend Davos World Economic Forum

January 2017 will probably be a memorable month in history; one that marks the accession to power of a US president who is aiming at the withdrawal – at least partially – of his country from the world stage.

Donald Trump has promised a border wall with Mexico and to pull out of the Trans-Pacific Partnership free trade deal, to focus on domestic economic affairs and disengage from European defence, sparking uncertainties about Nato.

Watch: Trump says he will quit TPP on day one

Meanwhile, Davos will be a major success for the Chinese “hyperpresident”, and a perfect symbol of the fact that powers invariably succeed one another.

Select Voice

Choose your listening speed

Get through articles 2x faster

1.25x

250 WPM

Slow

Average

Fast

00:0000:00

1.25x