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.

Music and patriotism: Dukes of Hazzard star praises community and family at Great American State Fair

Tyler Robinson preliminary hearing: Judge orders redactions to ex-lover’s video testimony

Social media influencer and model, 22, killed in violent highway crash

Trump threatens troop withdrawals if ‘very good deal’ on Greenland isn’t struck

House Dem back in the spotlight as brother faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted

Platner drops out of crucial Senate race after bombshell rape allegation torpedoes campaign

Franklin Graham Gives McDonald’s ‘Free Advice’ on How to ‘Bring Happy Customers Back’

Who is Valli Geiger? Meet the Maine Dem that Platner urged to run for Senate

Mike Rowe Sues Discovery for $2 Million in ‘Deadliest Catch’ Dispute

Erika’s Heartbreaking Reaction to a Woman She Saw in the Courtroom Crying Over Charlie’s Murder

Former Wisconsin Judge Who Was Convicted of Helping an Illegal Alien Evade ICE Gets Light Sentence

Bernie-backed socialist who allied with Platner could supplant him on ballot

WATCH: Dana White drops 2028 hints while raving about his favorite Trump cabinet secretary

Donald Trump sparks intrigue by ditching new Qatari jet for old Air Force One

Potential 2028 Dem contender unloads on Netanyahu, admits US-Israel ties at ‘crossroads’

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.