We’ve been hearing, for a while now, about how China is making moves consistent with its intention to become a global power, to rival the United States. How it’s beefing up its military arsenal. And claiming sovereignty over more and more areas in the South China Sea, which other countries say belong to them. 

But if this is the case, why did China’s president, Xi Jinping, ditch one of the most important yearly summits, with other global leaders over the weekend?

Today, international and political editor Peter Hartcher on what Xi Jinping was up to instead. And whether his activities signal an increasing likelihood of a new cold war between the United States and China.