G20 Summit Unfolds ‘Chinese’ Drama At Taj Palace With Unusual Bags And ‘Private’ Internet Demands By The Chinese Delegate

The 18th G20 Summit in 2023, hosted at New Delhi’s prestigious Taj Palace Hotel, was marred by a series of perplexing and dramatic incidents involving the Chinese delegation, leaving both hotel staff and Indian security personnel puzzled.

A “mysterious bag” episode began with media reports highlighting the unusual dimensions of bags carried by the Chinese delegates, and soon curiosity was raised due to the presence of what was termed “suspicious equipment” within one of these bags. 

Initially categorized as diplomatic baggage, these bags prompted a 12-hour-long haul when a hotel staff member reported the presence of the enigmatic equipment.

According to reports, the Chinese side resisted when hotel authorities sought to scan the bag to ascertain its contents; however, the Indian security personnel stood their ground, positioning themselves outside the room where the suspicious object was discovered, as the Chinese delegation deliberated on their course of action. 

Ultimately, the bag was dispatched to the embassy, shrouding the nature and purpose of the equipment in mystery.

The exact purpose of this equipment remained elusive, as Indian security personnel did not have an opportunity to examine the devices closely, but the Intelligence officials speculated that such equipment could be used for intercepting and jamming secure communication channels.

The ‘Private’ Internet Connection

Apart from the enigmatic bags, another unusual incident unfolded this time around the Chinese delegation’s request for a private internet connection at the Taj Palace hotel; however, this request was met with refusal by Taj Palace management, leading to further tension between the Chinese delegates and the hotel staff.

While the absence of Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin initially drew attention at the G20 Summit, the focus quickly shifted to the (above) bizarre occurrences involving the Chinese delegation.

His Highness Absence

The unexpected absence of President Xi Jinping from the G20 Summit was later attributed to internal political dynamics in China, particularly discussions at the Beidaihe meeting involving party elders. 

While details of this meeting are usually confidential, emerging reports suggested a significant shift in China’s political landscape since Prominent party elders, including former President Jiang Zemin and Xi’s immediate predecessor, Hu Jintao, were notably absent from the meeting. 

They conveyed a clear message to the current leadership, including Xi, that ongoing political, economic, and social turmoil, without effective countermeasures, could jeopardize the party’s support and rule. 

Former Vice President Zeng Qinghong, a close aide to Jiang, has led this group of concerned elders. As a result of this internal political shakeup, Xi’s decision to skip the G20 Summit was seen as an attempt to “avoid losing face.” 

Xi expressed frustration with his closest aides and predecessors, including Deng Xiaoping, Jiang, and Hu, for leaving unresolved issues that burdened his leadership. 

Premier Li Qiang, responsible for China’s troubled economy, faced the daunting task of addressing economic challenges, a property market slump, youth unemployment, military turbulence, and strained international relations during this complex period.

In light of this internal political reshuffling, Xi Jinping’s decision to abstain from the forthcoming G20 summit in India is believed to be an effort to safeguard his prestige.

The Last Bit, The 18th G20 Summit at the Taj Palace in New Delhi, will be remembered not only for its discussions on global challenges but also for the unusual incidents that unfolded within its walls. 

From the mysterious bags that raised security concerns to the Chinese delegation’s insistence on a private internet connection, these events added an unexpected layer of intrigue to the summit. 

Beyond the surface, the absence of President Xi Jinping and the underlying political dynamics revealed during the Beidaihe meeting in China indicate that all may not be well regarding Chinese leadership.