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.

Reporter’s Notebook: House’s final sprint puts SAVE America Act and Iran funding in play

‘Is Mickey Mouse Racist?’: GOP’s Brandon Gill Corners Smithsonian Director on Leftist Policies

New Jersey Dem gov’s blame game backfires after tech company pins noncitizen voter registration on state

US soldier believed to be killed in Jordan attack remembered as living ‘life of courage and selflessness’

From NFL Legend, to NFL Owner, to… WWE Superstar? Tom Brady Slaps Controversial YouTuber

Trump administration has lost or abandoned hundreds of lawsuits against anti-ICE protesters, migrants: report

New report uncovers education groups’ DEI push to shape how artificial intelligence is used in classrooms

Hegseth turns tables on Dems as sparks fly during hearing clash: ‘I put this on you’

Mike Lindell proposes six-month amnesty for illegal immigrants if elected Minnesota governor

Trump flexes GOP muscle in Arizona primaries as Dems dodge far-left upset

Rubio says US remains open to Iran talks but warns there ‘will be consequences’

House narrowly backs allowing troops, Pentagon workers to carry personal guns on military bases

Progressive wave crashes in Sun Belt battleground as moderate holds his seat

House GOP votes to punt government shutdown battle to after November midterms

Woman’s remains identified by DNA in Virginia, exposing second alleged murder linked to same 4 suspects

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.