President Xi is making Premier Li his top messenger on world stage

Chinese leader may be delegating but no sign of a successor being groomed

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Chinese Premier Li Qiang took on a role largely stripped of its former glory. Now, in a surprise twist, he is becoming President Xi Jinping's top emissary on the world stage.

When China's No. 2 official steps out in Johannesburg at the first Group of 20 (G-20) leaders' meeting ever held in Africa this weekend, it will mark his third stint representing Mr Xi at a major conference.

It is a role Mr Li debuted at the G-20 leaders' summit in India two years ago, and then reprised this summer at a Brics top-level gathering in Brazil.

Mr Li's growing international profile stands out in Chinese politics. While previous premiers were given greater control over steering the world's second biggest economy, and had memorable moments with foreign dignitaries at home, none represented their president at overseas summits such as the G-20.

The shift comes as Mr Xi dials back his own travel. The 72-year-old has remained in Asia in 2025, with the exception of travelling to Russia - his most geographically curtailed schedule outside Covid-19.

Mr Li's larger global footprint shows that, despite Mr Xi's sweeping purge of ministers and top military generals, reliance on his inner circle of loyalists appears to be only growing.

While China's top leader is delegating abroad, there is no suggestion anyone is being groomed for succession, with Mr Xi widely expected to clinch a fourth term at the next congress in 2027.

"Xi is prioritising summits where China holds outsized influence or are close to home," said Mr Neil Thomas, a fellow for Chinese politics at the Asia Society Policy Institute's Centre for China Analysis. "As Xi grows older and more secure in his grip on power, he seems increasingly willing to delegate."