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 admin sues Penn State over in-state tuition policy for undocumented migrants

Colorado police officer killed, 3 more officers wounded after suspect opens fire near bus

Trump’s massive Arlington triumphal arch approved for construction by federal planning commission

Indiana, Florida and Alabama carry out rare US triple execution day

Watch: DeSantis Nails Midterm Blowout with Blunt Talk on Thune’s GOP Senate – ‘They Didn’t Even Attempt’ Bold Conservatism

Military Identifies Remains of WWII Soldier Who Served in Legendary Merrill’s Marauders

Big Blue Wave Gives Democrats the Power to Effectively End the Electoral College Before 2028

Vance ‘privately’ blasts Netanyahu as Iran war divides Trump administration and 2028 ambitions loom

Child molester’s looming prison release reignites sanctuary showdown in wake of Dem election sweep

DOJ Launches Criminal Investigation Into Leak of Supreme Court Decision That Overturned Roe v. Wade

Preview of What’s to Come: As Iowa Falls to Dems, Obama Judge Clears Way for Satanists to Take Over Statehouse

California’s Sky-High Minimum Wage Claims Another Victim as Major Outback Steakhouse Franchisee Is Forced to File for Bankruptcy

Trump signs proclamation to prevent changes to Oval Office, other White House rooms

Texas State Rep Calls for Emergency Session Put Guardrails on Executive Branch Before Dems Seize Power

Eight GOP Reps. Who Co-Sponsored Amnesty Bill Voted Out of Office

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.