Xi to Skip ASEAN Summit in Manila
Chinese Premier Li Qiang is likely to lead China's delegation at the 49th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits in the Philippines.
Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in International Relations
Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected to skip the 49th ASEAN Summit in Manila, with Premier Li Qiang likely to represent China at the regional gathering. The Philippines Department of Foreign Affairs has not yet received official confirmation of Li's attendance.
Why it matters
Premier Li Qiang customarily leads China's delegation to ASEAN summits, so his likely attendance would keep China's regional representation intact despite Xi's expected absence. The gathering also comes as US President Donald Trump is expected to attend, with Trump scheduled to meet Xi during his China visit.
The 49th ASEAN Summit is being hosted by the Philippines, while the 33rd APEC Leaders' Meeting is set for Shenzhen on November 18 to 19. Official confirmation of Li Qiang's attendance from Chinese authorities is still pending.
The players
Xi Jinping
Xi Jinping is the President of China and the paramount leader of the Chinese Communist Party, who has held power since 2012.
Li Qiang
Li Qiang is the Premier of China, serving as the country's head of government and typically leading its delegations to regional summits.
Donald Trump
Donald Trump is the President of the United States, who is expected to attend the ASEAN gathering and meet Xi during his China visit.
Maria Theresa Lazaro
Maria Theresa Lazaro is the Philippine Secretary of Foreign Affairs, leading the country's diplomatic engagement on the summit.
The details
Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Maria Theresa Lazaro discussed the upcoming meetings with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi by phone on Tuesday, and both sides assured each other that their leaders would receive appropriate courtesies and assistance. Philippine Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro confirmed Trump's participation on October 14.
Timeline
September 23 to 25: Xi makes a state visit to the United States.
October 14: Philippine officials confirm Trump's ASEAN participation.
November 4: Lazaro and Wang Yi discuss summit meetings by phone.
November 16: Trump is scheduled to visit the Philippines for the ASEAN Summit.
November 18 to 19: The 33rd APEC Leaders' Meeting is scheduled in Shenzhen, China.
Political Context
China has consistently sent Premier Li Qiang to lead its delegation at recent ASEAN-related summits, a pattern that would continue if Xi skips the Manila gathering. The reliance on the premier for regional representation mirrors China's approach to similar multilateral meetings in recent years.
Readers following regional diplomacy should note that Xi's expected absence from Manila could signal shifting priorities in China's engagement with Southeast Asia. Official confirmations from Beijing and Manila will determine which leaders represent their countries at the summit.
The takeaway
Summit attendance often reflects broader diplomatic priorities, so watching which leaders appear in Manila and Shenzhen can reveal how major powers are positioning themselves in the region.
What happens next
The 33rd APEC Leaders' Meeting is scheduled for Shenzhen, China, on November 18 to 19, where Xi and Trump are expected to hold further discussions.
Further reading
Explore more on International Relations to see how summit diplomacy shapes relations among Asian and global powers.
