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.

Extreme Climate Model Scenario Was Widely Used Despite Being Impossible

Controversial program paying drug users for used syringes becomes permanent in NYC

Education Department Moves To Crack Down On Schools, Teachers Unions Protecting Sexual Predators

WATCH: Josh Hawley issues blistering rebuke of McConnell over ‘obligation’ to country

Tulsi Gabbard’s brother charged after allegedly trying to lure children to Waikīkī hotel room: police

Andrew, Tristan Tate arrested in Miami as UK seeks extradition on expanded rape, trafficking charges

Mamdani doubles down on democratic socialism while insisting Wall Street, business leaders can work with him

Boston police investigate death at home owned by Rep. Ayanna Pressley’s husband

Bernie Sanders dismisses Haley Stevens, says Michigan race is against the ‘billionaire class’

Mamdani says NYC is exploring whether it can arrest Netanyahu if Israeli leader visits for UN General Assembly

Man who allegedly rode naked atop moving locomotive busted after bizarre train stunt: sheriff

Liberal circuit judge blasts SCOTUS conservatives, says Hawaii will defy high court

Rubio Goes Viral as Millions Watch, Share His Rousing Speech on the Evils of the Modern Left

Caitlin Clark Sets Scoring Record with Monster 45-Point Game in Comeback Win

Tough But Moral: How Israel Phoned a Terrorist and Offered to Kill Him Without Touching His Family… and He Took the Deal

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.