Some government leaders such as those of Indonesia and Malaysia would have attended anyway, for they have long had a policy of seeking close friendships with both America and China. Nonetheless it was all a triumph for President Xi. For President Xi, however, it is enough that for the time being President Trump looks so bad on these issues that he and China can pretend to be good. Modi’s attendance in China was meant to show that India is a proud and independent country, one that will not be intimidated by anyone but also will not accept any obligations from anyone, including China. That is the point when Xi would find out whether China really is unstoppable, and the consequences for all of us could be catastrophic.