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.

Jim Justice could shake up West Virginia politics with ‘clash of the titans’ 2028 governor run

Suspect in deadly Philadelphia police ambush faces 76 charges, ordered held without bail

Maduro-linked fugitive nabbed over alleged scheme to cash in on Venezuelans’ basic needs

Pregnant mom just 4 days from giving birth among 8 killed in Pennsylvania massacre: reports

Minnesota homecoming shooting suspect out on bond after gunfire sends football fans fleeing

Trump and Rubio weigh firing Kimberly Guilfoyle as misconduct and donor bailout allegations mount

Quiet part out loud: Anti-Israel mobs want one state called ‘Palestine,’ erasing Israel

Toddler stabbed in face, suspect previously deemed unfit for trial in attacks on 2 children: report

Breaking: Viral Recording Appears to Place Talarico at Ohio Psych Facility During Long Absence Despite Denial

Polls come under scrutiny as Democrats take the lead in midterm elections

Hurricane Isaias’ devastating aftermath comes into focus in striking images

Rescue expert warns FlyDubai hijacking attempt shows US, allies are ‘playing checkers’ against terror threat

‘Fraud’: Rubio Puts Woke So-Called Human Rights Group on Blast for Stunning US-Israel Hypocrisy

WATCH: CDC director discusses US government response to Russian plague concerns: ‘We are protected’

NYT Writer Claims ‘Combustible’ Sophie Cunningham Is ‘Just Too Much’ to Be Caitlin Clark’s Teammate

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.