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.

Paying for Klan Hoods, Cross Burnings, And an Imperial Wizard – The 6 Worst SPLC Sins Alleged in New Indictment

Report: Karmelo Anthony Has Visible Reaction as Intense Body Cam Footage Is Played in Court

Eric Schmitt rips Hirono over denaturalization bill: ‘You’re damn right we’re deporting’ criminals

Natasha Owens drops ‘TDS’ song and music video: ‘You tested positive’

Reporter’s Notebook: GOP bets on fraud crackdown as economic woes surge ahead of midterms

California election limbo fueled by 4 pressure points dragging out vote count, expert says

America at 250: The American Dream Still Begins With Marriage

Karen Read says she gets free meals and discounts everywhere after not guilty verdict

The People Connected to the New UFO Reveals Give Good Reason for Skepticism

DC Circuit grills DOJ over White House bid to continue building ballroom

Video shows Marine veteran wrestle armed teen to ground after alleged robbery attempt

Bondi’s replacement saddled with Epstein baggage as he awaits grueling confirmation battle

Schumer rips Senate Republicans for passing billions in ICE and Border Patrol funding in late-night vote

Democrat Abdul el Sayed clinches UAW support over primary rivals for Michigan Senate

Bessent flips script on shouting Democrat: ‘No wonder people are leaving’ his blue state

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.