For dictators down the ages, nothing matters more than projecting an image of absolute and unchallenged power. The chance to stride the world stage at a glittering international summit is not to be missed.
Yet, Xi Jinping, the president of China, spurned that opportunity on Sunday when he failed to arrive at a summit of BRICS countries (Brazil, Russia, India and China) in Rio de Janeiro – the first time in his 12 years as paramount leader.
The Telegraph London