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.

Black conservative reveals how GOP can lock down minority voters without Trump on ballot

Sweden’s right-wing government hoping nationalist-populist allies will hold back left-wing coalition

Wisconsin GOP governor candidate swims from sinking plane after emergency lake landing

Man accused in brutal motel stabbing sought as person of interest in 4 deaths, child attack

Florida woman accused of setting stranger on fire at gas station, leaving horrific burns

Knife-wielding man races at officer in packed seaside park before one deadly shot rings out: video

Uninvited woman enters Kamala Harris’ Malibu property prompting sheriff response: reports

Son of notorious Somali dictator reportedly living in Ohio decades after brutal regime’s collapse

The Fentanyl Crisis May Be Coming to an End But Kratom Is Ready to Take It’s Place

Video Puts US Military Power on Full Display, Shows Total Missile-Strike Destruction of Iran Tankers

Sick: At 9:11 PM on 25th Anniversary of 9/11, Man Runs on Field at Yankee Stadium With Palestinian Flag

Nuns Fight Back Against Law Forcing Them to Help Patients Kill Themselves

Outrageous Taxation Has Destroyed American Lives Going Back Decades

Canada Hits Back at Trump with Tariffs Affecting Key Midterm Battlegrounds

Trump’s DOT Could Cut American Electric Bills with Unconventional Plan to Lease Land for Power Lines

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.