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.

Suspect in arson attack at Pennsylvania governor’s mansion pleads guilty

Hamas Carries Out Wave of Public Executions in Bid to ‘Reestablish its Rule’ in Gaza

Charlie Kirk’s colleagues and pastors praise his patriotism as Trump readies highest civilian honor

The Truth About the So-Called Homan ‘Bribe’ Shows Just How Much Damage Biden Did to FBI

Democratic socialist group backing Mamdani condemns Gaza ceasefire, calls for more anti-Israel resistance

Harvard University’s feud with Trump affecting students, research, and reputation: adjunct professor

Maine Gov. Janet Mills launches Senate challenge to Susan Collins, giving Democrats a prized recruit

Kamala Harris commends ‘the President’ in Middle East statement, but omits Trump’s name

Republicans mount campaign to flip Pennsylvania Supreme Court’s Democratic majority

Janet Mills’ Maine Senate run sets up generational clash among Democrats

Madagascar’s president flees country following Gen Z protests

Ellen Greenberg’s controversial death ruled suicide again, new report ‘deeply flawed’ says lawyer

Jeffries tells Lawler to ‘keep your mouth shut’ as shutdown sparks Capitol Hill confrontations

Ex-Louisiana Democratic Gov. John Bel Edwards says he won’t run for Senate

Man Charged with Killing His Daughter’s Alleged Rapist Launches Campaign for County Sheriff

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.