The absence of US President Donald Trump at this year’s G20 summit in South Africa has created a major opportunity for China. With Washington staying away, Beijing now has a chance to expand its influence across Africa and present itself as a steady partner in global affairs. Trump’s decision to skip the two-day summit, set to start Saturday in Johannesburg, came after claims that South Africa mistreats white people—claims widely dismissed internationally. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa criticized the move, calling it “boycott politics” and warning that the United States was giving up an important leadership role in the world economy. Despite some last-minute speculation that the US might send an official representative, the situation has already focused attention on China. President Xi Jinping has delegated Premier Li Qiang to attend the summit, continuing a trend where the 72-year-old leader reduces foreign visits while ensuring high-level representation. “The US is giving China an opportunity to expand its global influence,” said Zhiqun Zhu, a political science professor. With the US absent, he noted, both China and the EU will become the center of attention, and other nations will look for leadership from them. Observers caution that Trump’s absence does not automatically make China the global leader. Jing Gu, a political economist, said it gives Beijing space to show it is a stable and reliable partner. It highlights a contrast between the US stepping back from multilateralism and China emphasizing predictable, cooperative governance, support for trade, and engagement with the Global South. This year’s G20 is historic: for the first time, it is hosted on the African continent, with South Africa chairing the summit and the African Union participating fully. The host nation is pushing for agreement on key issues like debt relief, economic growth, climate change, and energy transition—all topics aligned with China’s interests in Africa. China already has deep ties on the continent. Premier Li recently visited Zambia, marking the first such trip by a Chinese premier in 28 years. Zambia, rich in copper and with Beijing as its largest official creditor, is also a site of a $1.4 billion project to rehabilitate the Tazara Railway connecting Tanzania and Zambia. Observers see these developments as part of China’s broader strategy to secure resources and expand trade while highlighting mutual economic benefits. China’s dominance in manufacturing and Africa’s demand for energy make cooperation natural. Imports of Chinese solar panels to Africa, for instance, rose 60 percent in the 12 months ending June 2025. Zhu says the G20 is a platform for China to project influence and strengthen ties with the Global South. According to Gu, China will present three key messages at the summit: stability and adherence to global rules, engagement with the Global South on development and green energy, and leadership on digital economy and governance, positioning itself as a problem-solver rather than a disruptor. Analysts say China’s role contrasts sharply with the US. In recent years, Trump has imposed tariffs and ended Africa’s duty-free trade benefits, while Xi recently announced zero tariffs for African nations. Foot, a politics professor, said China can highlight its commitment to multilateralism and responsible global behavior, offering a clear alternative to a unilateralist America. The absence of US officials at the G20 follows a similar pattern, as the US skipped other major meetings, including the APEC summit in Korea and COP30 in Brazil. This gives Beijing a chance to demonstrate leadership, reinforce its global strategy, and strengthen ties with developing nations, particularly across Africa. China’s growing role at the G20 underscores a shift in global dynamics. With Trump absent, the spotlight is on Beijing to deliver both influence and stability, shaping debates on trade, climate, and development in ways that contrast with Washington’s retreat from international collaboration.