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.

Trump administration to offer ‘premium’ expedited visa interviews for $750

Billionare Tom Steyer ends California governor campaign after falling short in Jungle Primary

Nick Reiner, Charged with Murdering His Parents, Demands Access to $1.5 Million Inheritance

GOP Finally Defeat Democrats, Pass Bill to Fund ICE, Border Patrol for Years to Come

Trump-backed Hilton advances to California governor general election

WATCH: As Fraud Accusations Swirl, Nick Shirley Confronts ‘126 Year-Old’ Who Voted in 51 Elections, According to California Sec. of State

Fetterman refuses to defend Platner, calls him ‘baggage’ as scandals mount

ALERT: Trump Launches Strikes After Iran Downed Apache, Fulfilling His Promise to Respond

Riots consume Belfast over attempted beheading by Sudanese immigrant

LISTEN: Brian Hooker’s own words appear to place him in the water the night missing wife vanished in Bahamas

Cornyn won’t campaign for Paxton in Texas Senate race against Talarico

Progressive groups launch anti-Schumer billboard campaign in Washington

UFO whistleblower pushes Vance to investigate alleged billions of federal ‘slush funds’ tied to classified programs

Jurors Were Aghast and Karmelo Anthony Wouldn’t Look as Gruesome Image of Austin Metcalf’s Punctured Heart Was Presented at Trial

Tim Walz Gets Referred to DOJ for ‘Full Criminal Investigation’

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.