Foreign ministers from the G20’s leading economies were scheduled to convene in South Africa on Thursday and Friday, amidst ongoing tensions related to the Ukraine conflict, trade disagreements, and the absence of the U.S. Secretary of State due to a dispute with the host nation.The G20 nations, which account for approximately 85% of the global GDP and three-quarters of international trade, frequently face challenges in reaching consensus. However, the geopolitical divisions that have emerged since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022 have made collaboration increasingly difficult.This discord has intensified following the inauguration of President Donald Trump a month ago, who has swiftly altered Washington’s trade and foreign policy approaches.
South Africa currently holds the rotating presidency of the G20, and for President Cyril Ramaphosa, the inaugural G20 meeting on the African continent presented a crucial opportunity to urge wealthier nations to address the pressing issues faced by poorer countries, including escalating inequality, insufficient climate action, and a financial system that disproportionately benefits investment banks at the expense of impoverished sovereign debtors.
However, the United States will not be participating. Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently criticized the previously established agenda focused on “diversity, equity, and inclusion,” labeling it as “very bad.”
Additionally, former President Trump had previously reduced U.S. aid to South Africa due to ideological disagreements regarding the country’s initiatives to rectify historical racial injustices in land ownership, as well as its genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice.
The meeting occurs at a time when Trump has disrupted U.S. policy regarding support for Ukraine, as he aims to facilitate peace in the ongoing conflict with Russia. He has placed blame on President Volodymyr Zelenskiy for the war and has marginalized NATO allies in efforts to isolate Russia.
Read more: UK Foreign Minister: Ukraine and the US should Strengthen their Alliance
The lack of U.S. involvement presents an opportunity for China, the world’s second-largest economy, to enhance its influence. While Beijing typically concentrates on the Global South, it has swiftly moved to exploit the divisions within the transatlantic alliance.
On Monday, China’s foreign ministry emphasized the necessity of “healthy and stable” relations between China and the EU, highlighting the urgency of the situation.
