Xi Jinping missed World Nomad Games opening after Tibet disaster

Chinese President Xi Jinping skipped the opening of the sixth World Nomad Games in Bishkek after a natural disaster in China’s Tibet Autonomous Region left people dead and missing.

Askat Alagozov, press secretary to Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov, said Xi had planned to attend the August 31 ceremony at Bishkek Arena during his state visit. Xi instead asked Japarov to understand his absence as disaster-relief efforts continued in China.

Alagozov said the Kyrgyz side considered the decision justified because Xi was prioritising relief, search-and-rescue operations and personal oversight of the response. Kyrgyzstan offered condolences to the Chinese people and the victims’ families, and wished for the safe recovery of those still missing.

Other bilateral meetings and negotiations during Xi’s visit were scheduled to continue under the approved programme.

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We consider the decision of the Chinese President fully justified in this difficult situation, as he prioritizes disaster relief efforts, search and rescue operations, and personal oversight of the process in his country.