Showing posts with label g20. Show all posts
Showing posts with label g20. Show all posts

Sunday, September 10, 2023

Russia Hails G20 Declaration That Avoids Condemning Moscow For Its War Against Ukraine

 

BBC: Russia hails unexpected G20 'milestone' as Ukraine fumes 

Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has praised a joint declaration by G20 leaders in Delhi that avoids condemning Moscow for its war against Ukraine. 

Russia had not expected consensus and agreement on the wording was "a step in the right direction", said Mr Lavrov. 

The closing G20 statement denounced using force for territorial gain but made no mention of Russian aggression, prompting criticism from Ukraine. 

The two-day summit also inducted a new permanent member, the African Union. 

The 55-member bloc joins at the invitation of hosts India, one of whose key objectives while president has been to make the G20 more inclusive with greater participation of so-called Global South countries. 

The world's biggest economies reached other key deals in Delhi, including one on climate and biofuels - although there was criticism of the summit's failure to commit to phasing out fossil fuels. 

 For the second year in a row, there was no official G20 "family photo". No reason was given but reports say many leaders refused to be photographed, pointing to Russia's presence at the summit.  

Read more ....  

WNU Editor: The Kremlin is gloating .... Lavrov Gloats: West Failed To "Ukrainize" G20 As Global South Triumphed (Zero Hedge).

US President Biden and other Western leaders are being criticized for their lack of support of Ukraine at the G20 .... Biden finds himself on the defensive after G20 leaders fail to rally around Ukraine (USA Today). 

Russia Hails G20 Declaration That Avoids Condemning Moscow For Its War Against Ukraine 

G20 Declaration Omits Criticism of Russia, Notes Ukrainians’ ‘Suffering’ (New York Times) 

G20 statement backs Ukraine but omits Russia blame for war (Politico)  

Russia hails G20 a ‘success’ but declaration riles Ukraine (CNN)

Saturday, September 9, 2023

G20 Summit Statement Avoids Condemning Russia For Ukraine War

India hosts G20 leaders' summit © Thomson Reuters  

Reuters: G20 summit statement avoids condemning Russia for Ukraine war, calls for peace 

NEW DELHI (Reuters) -The Group of 20 nations adopted a consensus declaration on the opening day of a summit on Saturday that avoided condemnation of Russia for the war in Ukraine but called on all states to refrain from the use of force to seize territory. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi of host India announced that the declaration had been adopted on the first day of the weekend summit. 

The consensus came as a surprise as the group is deeply divided over the war in Ukraine, with Western nations earlier pushing for strong condemnation of Russia in the Leaders' Declaration, while other countries demanded a focus on broader economic issues.  

Read more ....  

Update: G20 countries agree nations should not use force to gain new territory – a major win for Modi amid Russia’s invasion of Ukraine (CNN) 

WNU Editor: The big news for this summit was the admission of the African Union into the G20 .... G20 adds the African Union as a member, issues call rejecting use of force in reference to Ukraine (The Hill).

Monday, September 4, 2023

Chinese President Xi Jinping Will Not Attend The G20 Summit

 

The Guardian: China signals Xi Jinping will not attend G20 summit in India  

Analysts say absence could be snub to Delhi or part of apparent push by Beijing to elevate blocs not regarded as US-dominated 

Xi Jinping’s attendance at the G20 this weekend has been all but ruled out after China’s foreign ministry announced the team would be led by the country’s premier, Li Qiang. 

It will be the first time a Chinese leader has not attended the G20 leaders’ summit since the first was held in 2008, although Xi attended only virtually in 2020 and 2021 because of the pandemic. 

The US president, Joe Biden, said last week that he hoped Xi would attend the summit in Delhi, but US officials played down the chances of the two leaders meeting after reports that Xi’s attendance was in doubt.  

Read more ....  

WNU Editor: The G20 summit will still be important even though China and Russia will not be present .... Xi just handed the mic to Modi at the G20. But without Russia, China, it’s now a sideshow (The Print), but an alternative non-Western economic/political bloc like BRICS is President Xi's priority.  

Update: This was the message two days ago .... “Looking forward”; says White House on possible Biden-Xi meet at G20 (The Print). This is the message today .... Biden Says Disappointed China's Xi Will Not Attend G20 Summit (Reuters). 

 Chinese President Xi Jinping Will Not Attend The G20 Summit 

Xi to skip G20 summit in India, China to send Li instead -- Reuters  

China's Xi to Skip G20 Summit in India During Period of Soured Bilateral Relations -- VOA/AP 

China's President Xi to skip G20 summit in India -- France 24

Saturday, June 10, 2023

India Will Not Invite Ukraine To The G20 Summit In September

A man walks past a model of G20 logo outside the finance ministry in New Delhi, India, March 1, 2023. Photo by Anushree Fadnavis/REUTERS 

The Diplomat: India Not Planning to Invite Ukraine to G20 Summit in September  

Ukraine is not a G-20 member, but President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was invited to participate in last year’s G-20 summit in Bali, Indonesia. 

India is not planning to invite Ukraine to the summit of the Group of 20 industrialized and developing nations in September, its external affairs minister said Thursday.

“In our view, G-20 participation is for members and organizations we have invited. That list we declared as soon as we assumed the G-20 presidency” in December, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar told reporters. 

Ukraine is not a G-20 member, but Russia is part of the grouping. In February 2022, Russia invaded Ukraine and the two remain at war. India has avoided condemning Russia’s war in Ukraine and has sought to end it through diplomacy and dialogue.  

Read more ....  

Update: India not planning to invite Ukraine to upcoming G20 summit in September (AP)  

WNU Editor: I am not surprised that India has made this decision. Countries like India, China, Brazil, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, etc., want the G20 to be focused on economic affairs, not on the West's obsession with Ukraine.

Wednesday, November 16, 2022

Most G20 Members Condemn Russia's Invasion Of Ukraine

G20 summit in Bali 

Reuters: Most G20 leaders condemn Russia's war in Ukraine at summit, some take different view 

NUSA DUA, Indonesia (Reuters) -A draft declaration by leaders of the Group of 20 major economies, seen by Reuters on Tuesday, said most members condemned Russia's war in Ukraine and stressed it was exacerbating weaknesses in the global economy. 

The G20 members also voiced deep concern over the risks to global food security posed by escalating tensions, and emphasised the need for the independence of central banks to ensure they keep up efforts to curb soaring inflation, according to the draft, which was confirmed by a European diplomat.  

Read more .... 

WNU Editor: China is one of the members who did not sign on in condemning Russia's war in Ukraine .... In G-20 talks, China objects to calling Russian invasion of Ukraine a 'war' (Washington Post). 

Most G20 Members Condemn Russia's Invasion Of Ukraine  

G-20 leaders end summit condemning Russia despite divisions -- AP  

G-20 leaders end summit condemning Russia despite divisions -- The Hill 

G20 leaders’ declaration condemns Russia’s war ‘in strongest terms’ -- CNN  

G20 statement: "Most members" condemn Russia's invasion of Ukraine -- Axios  

G20 leaders declaration denounces ‘Russian aggression’ in Ukraine -- Al Jazeera  

G20 Members Differ on Ukraine Crisis in Final Declaration -- Sputnik

Wednesday, November 9, 2022

Russian Embassy In Indonesia Says Putin Will Not Attend G20 Summit In Person

Russian President Vladimir Putin attends a ceremony to mark the 75th anniversary of Federal Medical-Biological Agency, in Moscow, Russia November 9, 2022. Sputnik/Mikhail Metzel/Pool via REUTERS  

The Guardian: Vladimir Putin will not attend G20 summit in Bali, Indonesian official says  

Russia will be represented by foreign minister Sergei Lavrov at next week’s gathering of G20 leaders 

Vladimir Putin will not attend a gathering of leaders from the G20 nations in Bali next week, according to an Indonesian government official. 

Russia’s president will be represented by foreign minister Sergei Lavrov, Jodi Mahardi, a spokesperson for the coordinating minister for maritime and investment affairs, said. Moscow’s embassy in Indonesia confirmed that Putin would not attend.  

Read more .... 

WNU Editor: Russia will be represented by foreign minister Sergei Lavrov at next week’s gathering of G20 leaders. 

 Russian Embassy In Indonesia Says Putin Will Not Attend G20 Summit In Person  

Russia's Putin will not attend G20 summit in Bali- Indonesian official -- Reuters  

Russian President Vladimir Putin will not attend G-20 summit -- AP  

Putin Will Not Go To G20 Summit: Russian Embassy -- AFP  

Putin won’t attend G20 summit in person, official says -- Politico  

Putin will not attend G20 summit in person, Russian embassy says -- CNN  

Russia confirms Putin will not attend G20 summit -- News 360 Putin to skip G20 summit in Bali -- Axios

Friday, October 7, 2022

Indonesia Reporting That Russia's Putin, Ukraine's Zelensky Have Agreed To Attend The G20 Summit In Bal Next Month

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymr Zelensky. via Twitter  

The National News: G20: Indonesia prepares to host Ukrainian and Russian leaders at Bali summit 

Meeting would mark first encounter between Zelenskyy and Putin since outbreak of war Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy are expected to attend this year’s G20 summit in Indonesia. 

 Should they travel to Bali next month, it will be the first time they will have shared a platform since the war between their two countries began in February. 

Indonesia’s ambassador to the UAE Husin Bagis expressed his hope that they would attend in an exclusive interview with The National, adding: “The situation isn’t easy because of the Ukraine-Russia war.”

The White House has said that if Mr Putin attends, Mr Zelenskyy should also participate. On Thursday, US President Joe Biden did not rule out meeting Mr Putin during the summit.

Read more ....  

Update #1: Russia's Putin, Ukraine's Zelensky agree to attend G20 summit in Bali: Report (Hindustan Times)  

Update #2: Putin and Zelensky to attend G20 – media (RT)  

WNU Editor: I am skeptical that both men are going to be at this summit.

Sunday, September 4, 2022

Kremlin Says Putin's Visit To G20 Summit Will Be Decided On Many Factors

Russia’s President Vladimir Putin © AFP / Gavriil Grigorov  

Republic World: Putin's Visit To G20 Summit Will Be Decided On Many Factors Including Security: Kremlin  

Kremlin stated that the participation of Russian President Vladimir Putin in the G20 summit would be determined after deciding "all factors". 

As the ruthless war between Russia and Ukraine continues unabated, the Kremlin stated that the participation of Russian President Vladimir Putin in the G20 summit would be determined after deciding "all factors," which would also include security, Tass reported. Notably, the Bali Summit is scheduled to take place in Indonesia in November. 

Read more ....  

Update: Moscow speaks out on Putin’s G20 trip (RT)  

WNU Editor: The Indonesian President is already on the record that Putin will be traveling to Bali for the G20 Summit, but I will be surprised if Russian President Putin does go this November. The war in Ukraine and the Russian economy are the priorities for the Kremlin right now, not having a face to face meeting with leaders like Xi or Salman for a few hours. But then again, Putin does like these face-to-face meetings, and he may decide to go there anyway.

Friday, August 19, 2022

Russian President Putin And Chinese President Xi Will Attend G20 Summit In Indonesia

 

Reuters: Xi, Putin to attend G-20 summit in Indonesia’s Bali this November 

* Chinese and Russian leaders Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin will attend the G-20 summit on the resort island of Bali this November, a longtime adviser to the Indonesian president said on Friday. 

* Andi Widjajanto, former cabinet secretary and unofficial adviser to President Joko Widodo, who is popularly known as Jokowi, told Reuters the two leaders would join the summit. 

Chinese and Russian leaders Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin will attend the G-20 summit on the resort island of Bali this November, a longtime adviser to the Indonesian president said on Friday. 

Andi Widjajanto, former cabinet secretary and unofficial adviser to President Joko Widodo, who is popularly known as Jokowi, told Reuters the two leaders would join the summit.

“Jokowi told me that Xi and Putin are both planning to attend in Bali,” Widjajanto, who heads the National Resilience Institute, told Reuters.  

Read more ....  

WNU Editor: The U.S. wants Zelensky to attend the G20 summit .... White House Wants Zelensky To Attend G20 Summit If Putin Is There (Zero Hedge). 

 Russian President Putin And Chinese President Xi Will Attend G20 Summit In Indonesia  

Xi and Putin plan to attend G20 summit in Bali, Indonesian leader says -- Axios  

Putin and Xi to attend G20 summit, Indonesian president says, setting up showdown with Biden -- CNN  

Putin to Attend G20 Summit, Indonesian President Says -- Moscow Times  

G20 to be a ‘doozy’ for the PM as Presidents Xi and Putin are expected to attend -- SKY News

Friday, July 8, 2022

Russia's Lavrov Walks Out Of G20 Talks Amid Ukraine Criticism From Western Leaders

 

Daily Mail: Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov STORMS OUT of talks with G20 diplomats after Western powers criticised Moscow over its invasion of Ukraine 

* Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov stormed out of meeting with G20 leaders 

* Lavrov faced a barrage of Western criticism for invasion of Ukraine at meeting 

* Lavrov walked out of a morning session as German counterpart Annalena Baerbock criticised Moscow over its invasion, diplomats said 

Russia's top diplomat stormed out of talks with G20 foreign ministers meeting in Indonesia on Friday as Western powers criticised Moscow over its invasion of Ukraine. 

Washington and allies condemned Russia's assault ahead of the meeting before Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov faced what US Secretary of State Antony Blinken called a barrage of Western criticism at the closed-door talks.  

Read more ....  

WNU Editor: No group photo. No meals together. 

 Russia's Lavrov Walks Out Of G20 Talks Amid Ukraine Criticism From Western Leaders

Live: Russia's Lavrov walks out of G20 talks amid Ukraine criticism -- France 24  

G-20 diplomats fail on unity over Ukraine, war’s impact -- AP  

Lavrov walks out of G20 talks after denying Russia is causing food crisis -- The Guardian  

Lavrov accuses West of ‘blatant Russophobia’ as he is shunned at G-20 meeting -- The Hill 

Russia faces Ukraine heat as G20 foreign ministers meet -- DW  

Unity at G20 fails over differences on Ukraine war, Russia, US snub each other -- FOX News  

MFA says many Russian partners at G20 meeting signaled it’s unacceptable to isolate Moscow -- TASS

Thursday, July 7, 2022

G20 Foreign Ministers To Meet In Bali On Friday

 

Reuters: War Looms Large Over G20 Event as Russia Meets Rivals in Bali 

NUSA DUA, Indonesia (Reuters) - G20 foreign ministers head to a joint summit on Friday that will put some of the staunchest critics of Russia invasion of Ukraine in the same room as Moscow's top diplomat, in the first such meeting since the war started in February. 

The buildup to the gathering on the Indonesian island of Bali has been dominated by the war and its impact on the global economy, with top officials from Europe, the United States and Australia stressing there will be no "business as usual" at the forum, without saying what that might entail. 

Russia's invasion has cast a cloud over Indonesia's presidency of the Group of 20 largest economies this year, with speculation of boycotts from some members and a walkout in April at a finance ministers' meeting in Washington.  

Read more ....  

Update #1: Russia’s role in rising global food insecurity takes center stage at G-20 foreign ministers' meeting (Politico)  

Update #2: Russia's Lavrov Meets With China at G20, Will Not Sit Down With U.S. (Newsweek)  

WNU Editor: This is going to be a closed session. I would love to be a fly in that room when it starts.

Wednesday, July 6, 2022

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken Will Not Meet With Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov At Tomorrow's G20 Meeting Of Foreign Ministers In Bali

 

The Hill: Blinken won’t meet with Lavrov at G-20 summit in Indonesia 

Secretary of State Antony Blinken will not meet with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov when the two are in Bali, Indonesia, this week for a meeting of the foreign ministers of Group of 20 nations. 

State Department spokesperson Ned Price said Tuesday that the “time is not right” for a bilateral engagement between the two top diplomats because of Russia’s “unprovoked, brutal war” against Ukraine. 

The G-20 foreign minister’s meeting, set to take place between July 7 and 8, presents a potentially awkward, public confrontation between the U.S. and Russia, which are both members of the global grouping, more than five months into Russia’s war against Ukraine.  

Read more ....  

Update: U.S. Does Not Expect Any Blinken-Lavrov Meeting at G20 This Week (Reuters)  

WNU Editor: Not surprised that there will be no meeting. The US has made it very clear that no meetings will take place as the war continues in Ukraine. And from the Kremlin's perspective they see the US waging a war against Russia, albeit through proxies in Ukraine.

Monday, June 27, 2022

Kremlin Says Russian President Putin Will Attend The G20 Summit

© Yevgeny Paulin/Russian Presidential Press and Information Office/TASS  

RT: Putin to attend G20 summit – Kremlin  

The Russian leader will travel to Indonesia for the meeting, despite Western leaders calling for Moscow’s expulsion  

Russian President Vladimir Putin will attend the G20 summit in Indonesia this November, the Kremlin announced on Monday. While multiple Western leaders have demanded Russia’s expulsion from the event, Indonesian President Joko Widodo, who is hosting this year's gathering, has invited Putin to the meeting in Bali. 

Russian presidential aide Yuri Ushakov announced Putin’s attendance, but told reporters that it is still unclear in what capacity the Russian leader will participate. “I hope that the pandemic will allow this important forum to be held in person, but I cannot guess,” Ushakov said. 

Read more ....  

WNU Editor: The G20 summit will be held in Bali, Indonesia, from November 15-16.

Kremlin Says Russian President Putin Will Attend The G20 Summit  

Moscow confirms Putin’s participation in G20 summit, details are being finalized — Kremlin -- TASS  

Kremlin says Putin will attend G20 summit -- Politico 

Russia Says Putin Will Be Part Of G20 Summit—Setting Stage For Showdown With Western Leaders -- Forbes

Sunday, May 1, 2022

Host Indonesia Says Bot Putin And Zelensky Have Both Accept Their G-20 Invitation

 

The Hill: Putin, Zelensky both accept G-20 invitation, host nation say 

JAKARTA, Indonesia — Indonesia’s President Joko Widodo says that both Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin have agreed to attend the Group of 20 (G-20) summit to be held in Bali in November. 

Widodo, the current chair of the G-20, made the remarks in a televised statement on Friday in which he said that he had telephone conversations this week with Zelensky and Putin.

He said he urged both leaders of Ukraine and Russia to end the war through negotiations. “I reiterated the importance of ending the war immediately,” he said. “I also emphasized that peaceful efforts should continue and Indonesia is ready to contribute to these peaceful efforts.”  

Read more ....  

Update #1: G-20: Putin, Zelenskiy Accept Indonesia's Invite to Bali Summit in November (Bloomberg)  

Update #2: White House braces for potential showdown between Biden and Putin at G20 (CNN)  

WNU Editor: This G-20 summit will be held in November. A lot can happen between now and November.

Wednesday, April 20, 2022

A Number Of Finance Ministers Walked Out Of A Closed-Door G20 Session In Washington When The Russian Delegate Began His Prepared Remarks

Chrystia Freeland, Canada's deputy prime minister and finance minister, tweeted this photo on Wednesday, April 20. "The world's democracies will not stand idly by in the face of continued Russian aggression and war crimes," she wrote. "Today Canada and a number of our democratic partners walked out of the G20 plenary when Russia sought to intervene." From Chrystia Freeland/Twitter 

CNN: US Treasury secretary and other finance ministers walk out of G20 meeting with Russia 

Finance ministers from multiple nations walked out of a closed-door G20 session in Washington on Wednesday when the Russian delegate began his prepared remarks, a show of protest against Moscow for its invasion of Ukraine. 

US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen participated in the walkout, as did European and other Western officials who were participating in the meeting. Canada’s finance minister Chrystia Freeland wrote on Twitter, “The world’s democracies will not stand idly by in the face of continued Russian aggression and war crimes.” 

She tweeted a photo of officials who left meeting, including Yellen, US Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell and European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde.  

Read more .... 

A Number Of Finance Ministers Walked Out Of A Closed-Door G20 Session In Washington When The Russian Delegate Began His Prepared Remarks  

Yellen, Ukraine official walk out of Russia’s G-20 remarks -- AP  

Yellen, BoE's Bailey, Canada's Freeland walk out of G20 meeting as Russians speak -- Reuters 

US, UK and Canada walk out of G20 meeting over war in Ukraine -- The Guardian  

Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen leads US walkout after Russian officials begin speaking at G-20 meeting: report -- Insider  

Yellen, Powell walk out of G20 meeting during Russian minister's speech -- Axios

Thursday, March 24, 2022

President Biden Says Russia Should Be Removed From The G20

 

Marketwatch: Biden calls for Russia to be expelled from G-20 as U.S. unveils new sanctions on Moscow 

President Joe Biden on Thursday during a key trip to Europe called for kicking Russia out of the Group of Twenty forum of the world’s largest economies, as his administration rolled out more sanctions against Vladimir Putin’s country in response to its ongoing invasion of Ukraine. 

Biden said at a press conference that if Russia isn’t booted from the G-20 because “Indonesia and others do not agree,” then he thinks Ukraine should be able to attend and observe G-20 meetings. 

He said he raised that possibility on Thursday while meeting with other world leaders in Brussels. 

The G-20 also includes China, a country that would face “consequences” if it helps Russia, Biden has said.  

Read more .... 

President Biden Says Russia Should Be Removed From The G20  

Biden says he supports removing Russia from G-20 -- The Hill  

Biden calls for Russia's removal from G20, says long-term sanctions key to stopping Putin -- AP  

Biden wants Russia out of the G-20. What is that? -- USA Today  

Can Russia be barred from the G20 summit? -- Al Jazeera

Tuesday, October 12, 2021

G20 Leaders Agree To Distribute Afghanistan Aid Through The Taliban

 

The Guardian: G20 leaders agree to involve Taliban in distributing Afghanistan aid  

Leaders agree in principle that funds can be channelled through UN agencies to avert ‘humanitarian meltdown’ 

G20 leaders and ministers have agreed they will have no option but to involve the Taliban in sending humanitarian aid to Afghanistan, but say that this stops short of political recognition of the Taliban as a government. 

The consensus view came at a video conference on the Afghan crisis at which the EU stepped up its aid to a total of €1bn (£850m), and it was agreed in principle that the IMF and World Bank could provide aid. 

Nearly $9bn of Afghan assets in overseas banks have been frozen by the US. 

Read more ....  

WNU Editor: This aid is just a drop in the bucket. This aid will also be used by the Taliban to maintain control and compliance to their regime. 

More News On G20 Leaders Agreeing To Distribute Afghanistan Aid Through The Taliban  

G20 pledges help for Afghan humanitarian crisis at special summit -- Reuters  

G20 agree to involve Taliban in distributing Afghanistan aid -- Irish Times  

G20 leaders agree to step up Afghan humanitarian effort -- CNA/AFP  

Canada and G20 allies press Taliban to improve aid access, respect for human right -- CBC  

Afghanistan: Taliban meet with EU, US representatives as G20 holds special summit -- DW

Saturday, June 29, 2019

G-20 Summit Ends



CNBC/Reuters: G-20 leaders sidestep trade protectionism in communique

* Speaking after chairing the two-day G-20 summit in Osaka, western Japan, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said the leaders also found common ground on climate change despite “big differences” in the members’ views.
* The communique also warned that global economic growth remains low and risks were tilted to the downside, as trade and geopolitical tensions have “intensified.”

Group of 20 leaders have clearly confirmed the need for a free, fair and non-discriminatory trade policy, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said on Saturday, suggesting that members have agreed to the wording to be included in their communique.

Speaking after chairing the two-day G-20 summit in Osaka, western Japan, Abe said the leaders also found common ground on climate change despite “big differences” in the members’ views.

Read more ....

More News On The End Of The G20 Summit

G20 leaders make progress on trade and investment in Osaka; members minus the U.S. reaffirm Paris climate goals -- Japan Times
Abe’s G-20 show eclipsed by Trump-China trade talks, tweets -- AP
G20 stops short of denouncing protectionism, warns of global slowdown -- Reuters
Japan Abe says G20 leaders confirm need for free, fair trade -- Reuters
G20 summit: World leaders agree on climate deal -- DW

Friday, June 28, 2019

Tensions Are Definitely Simmering Betweeen World Leaders At The G20

US President Donald Trump turns to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to exchange a few words as the other leaders wave. Photo: DPA

SCMP: Beneath the smiles and handshakes, tensions simmer as world leaders meet for G20

* Xi Jinping makes beeline to shake hands with Donald Trump before traditional ‘family photo’ at start of Osaka summit
* But geopolitical rifts between some are evident, despite the camaraderie

After converging in Osaka, Japan amid heavy rains, world leaders gathered on Friday morning for the traditional “family photo” that marks the start of the Group of 20 powwow. But beneath the smiling faces of the world’s most powerful people, tensions were brewing.

The year-long trade war between Beijing and Washington put the spotlight on Chinese President Xi Jinping, who made a beeline to shake hands with his US counterpart Donald Trump before the group picture, ahead of their high-stakes meeting on Saturday. It was the first time the two leaders had met in person since they called a truce on tariffs in December at the last G20 summit in Argentina – a ceasefire that ended last month as trade talks stalled.

Read more ....

WNU Editor: President Trump's focus at the G20 was on Presidents Putin and Xi. Both the U.S. and Russia are regarding Friday's meeting between the two leaders as a success. President Trump's meeting with Chinese President Xi is only beginning now, and I will post more on it when news become available .... Donald Trump, Xi Jinping of China hold make-or-break trade meeting (USA Today). The person who looks very unhappy is President Xi. This has not been a good summit for him. The other leaders have been focused on getting some time with the big 3 (Trump/Xi/Putin), and from what I see most of them are being disappointed that they are being ignored.

President Donald Trump And Chinese President Xi Jinping Have That Look Of Wanting To Be Somewhere Else

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe (centre) speaks at the G20 summit in Osaka on Friday, flanked by US President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping. Photo: Kyodo

WNU Editor: Apparently Chinese leader Xi Jinping has been bashing President Trump throughout the G20 .... President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping (Financial Post)