A critical meeting on climate change, organized by the UK, appears to be the latest victim of an ongoing row with China.
Ministers from around 35 countries are due to participate in today’s summit on climate and development.
But while the US, EU, India and others are taking part, China is notable by its absence.
The UK says that China was invited to the event but is not participating.
Relations between the UK and China have deteriorated in recent weeks after angry exchanges about human rights.