Beneath The Smiles and Handshakes, Tensions Simmer As World Leaders Meet For G20

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.

In contrast, Xi and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau were seen later in the day sitting together but not talking, amid frosty relations between the two countries.

Moments before the shoot, Trump had crossed the red carpet with Vladimir Putin, at one point placing his hand on the Russian president’s back as they walked to the steps for the photo. The 38 world leaders took their places in three rows, with host Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe at the centre of the first – flanked on the left by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Trump, and on the right by Argentine President Mauricio Macri, Putin and Xi.

Experts scorch Mamdani’s grocery plan as an ‘illusion’ that will have taxpayers footing the bill

Iran has struck 14 Middle Eastern nations. Here’s what they have at stake in the war

Leading economist warns of rise of ‘Gen Z affordability socialism’

Pentagon to Honor Lindsey Graham by Renaming Military Base

Nolan Wells mystery deepens as email indicates teen drank heavily before vanishing

Cracker Barrel CEO Out After Alienating Loyal Customers with Controversial Changes

Trump to award top civilian honor to teenage lifeguard who saved child

Haley Stevens shreds Abdul El-Sayed: ‘We don’t need a celebrity candidate’

Supreme Court denies stays for two Florida death row inmates, clearing path for rare double execution

Watch: Trump Unhappy with Netanyahu’s Strategy Ahead of White House Meeting

Trump’s war on fraud expands as Treasury launches new site with whistleblower incentives

Federal Judge Rules Against New York Times, Gives Trump a Second Chance at $15 Billion Lawsuit

Public approval of Supreme Court drops to lowest level on record: Poll

Trump DOJ settles with anti-abortion father Paul Vaughn over FBI raid

Flock surveillance spreads across the South as red-state lawmakers seek to axe ‘1984’-style tracking tools

Across the sea of men – including a stern-looking Trump – mostly in black and navy suits, British Prime Minister Theresa May stood out in a bright red suit, the same one she wore when announcing her resignation last month.

The G20, an event critics say has lost relevance in recent years, comes at a time of growing populism and polarisation around the globe – from political schisms in Europe to American protectionism under Trump and the intensifying US-China conflict.

At a forum dedicated to international economic cooperation, the handshakes and shoulder-rubbing could not mask the growing divisions in the global trading system, with the trade war between Beijing and Washington at the forefront.

After a more traditional photo, Abe directed the leaders to wave at the camera, during which the US president broke with the others in lifting their arms, instead turning to the Saudi prince to exchange a few words. Tensions briefly flared between the US and Saudi Arabia after the Saudi prince was accused of orchestrating the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in October.