US President Donald Trump turns to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to exchange a few words as the other leaders wave. Photo: DPA
SCMP: Beneath the smiles and handshakes, tensions simmer as world leaders meet for G20
* Xi Jinping makes beeline to shake hands with Donald Trump before traditional ‘family photo’ at start of Osaka summit
* But geopolitical rifts between some are evident, despite the camaraderie
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.
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WNU Editor: President Trump's focus at the G20 was on Presidents Putin and Xi. Both the U.S. and Russia are regarding Friday's meeting between the two leaders as a success. President Trump's meeting with Chinese President Xi is only beginning now, and I will post more on it when news become available .... Donald Trump, Xi Jinping of China hold make-or-break trade meeting (USA Today). The person who looks very unhappy is President Xi. This has not been a good summit for him. The other leaders have been focused on getting some time with the big 3 (Trump/Xi/Putin), and from what I see most of them are being disappointed that they are being ignored.
