The United States has warned South Africa against issuing a joint G-20 summit statement during this weekend’s Johannesburg meeting, which Trump administration officials are boycotting. The diplomatic standoff highlights tensions between US President Donald Trump and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, dating back to a heated meeting in the Oval Office in May. Washington opposes Pretoria’s G-20 agenda, arguing that its focus on solidarity, equality, and sustainability runs counter to US policy. Consequently, Washington will block any outcome framed as a consensus position and has insisted that any release be labeled a chair’s statement. Despite this, South Africa is pressing ahead, backed by Brazil, Germany, and other countries, to secure a declaration that advances the priorities of the Global South. Around 15 heads of state are expected to attend the summit, even though climate and gender wording remain contentious.
Bloomberg
