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.

NY Nuns Fight Back After Kathy Hochul Orders Them to ‘Abandon Their Religious Beliefs’ or Close Their Nursing Home

Appeals Court Slaps Down Judge Boasberg’s Targeting of Trump Admin, Citing ‘A Clear Abuse of Discretion’

Dem fundraising giant in the hot seat as GOP lawmakers demand answers over dodged subpoena

Erika Kirk cancels University of Georgia TPUSA event appearance over ‘serious threats’

‘He should go’: Senate Dems turned on Swalwell ahead of resignation announcement

Thom Tillis slams Trump’s proposal to impose tolls on ships in Strait of Hormuz

Florida doctor charged after allegedly removing wrong organ during surgery

Ukraine has no ‘unrealistic expectations’ for Hungary as it pitches itself as ally to Magyar

Spanberger’s ‘unconstitutional’ push to redefine presidential elections makes voters ‘NULL AND VOID’: critics

Eric Swalwell scandal hangs over ‘best friend’ Ruben Gallego’s 2028 hopes

Watch: Pelosi and Fellow Dems Scramble to Defend Themselves from Fallout of Swalwell’s Implosion

Breaking: Woman Steps Forward with Darkest Accusations Yet Against Swalwell

Illegal immigrant driver charged with DUI after car veers off road, kills two children on bikes: police

House Dems unveil bill to examine removing Trump using 25th Amendment

Socialist Mamdani touts government-run grocery plan as ‘grand experiment’’ at grocery new site

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.