Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (front row) and others pose for a commemorative photo at the G20 Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, on November 22. (©Getty via Kyodo)
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The Group of Twenty (G20) Summit is far from functioning as intended as a forum for international cooperation. Instead, it has seen divisions among its members deepen. Its declining significance has been pointed out for some time, but it would be unfortunate if this trend has intensified.
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and several other world leaders attended the recent G20 Summit in South Africa. However, the event was marred by the United States' absence, due to US President Donald Trump's refusal to attend.
The sharp conflict over the summit's Leaders' Declaration was symbolic of the fractures within the group. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, who chaired the summit, adopted the declaration at the start of the first day of the conference. It was unusual that the declaration was adopted before any serious discussions had even taken place.
Furthermore, although adoption of the declaration usually is a unanimous decision, on this occasion it was issued without US agreement.
Having asked that the declaration not be issued, the US then objected. Furthermore, on November 26, Trump posted on social media that he intends to exclude South Africa from the 2026 G20 summit, which the US is set to chair. This back-and-forth ended up creating a shoddy spectacle.
An Unseemly Rush
South Africa probably wanted to avoid a situation where it was unable to issue a declaration at the first G20 summit held in Africa. Even so, the unseemly rush to issue the declaration was certainly heavy-handed. It seemed to disregard calls at the meeting to consider the stance of the US.
Nonetheless, there is no denying that the Trump administration's reluctant attitude toward international cooperation is a root cause. President Trump has unilaterally claimed that South Africa is violating the human rights of its Caucasian citizens.
Another reason the US declined to attend the meeting was to express opposition to the inclusion of climate change measures and other policy recommendations in the proposed leaders' declaration. It considers those changes incompatible with US policy. Still, Trump should have opposed the declaration in person at the meeting.
This should also be considered in light of the continuing confrontation between the US and China. Isn't it really to China's benefit if the gap between the US and the Global South (emerging and developing countries, including South Africa) deepens?
Tempering China's 'Advantage'
With the US very much in mind, Chinese Premier Li Qiang told the G20 Summit, "Today, the world economy is once again confronted with major challenges, marked by the rise of unilateralism and protectionism, as well as escalating trade restrictions and confrontations."
But Li blithely ignored China's own penchant for resorting to economic coercion to get its way.
What is concerning is that China's self-serving claims could prevail in a climate of growing antipathy toward the United States. The Global South, which is enjoying an enhanced presence in the international community, wants to avoid aligning with China. That fact is something the US should consider before it acts.
Prime Minister Takaichi actively engaged in summit diplomacy at the G20 venue. She also held individual meetings with the leaders of the United Kingdom, Germany, South Africa, and India. In addition, Japan is also expected to play a role in encouraging the US to avoid isolation within the G20. Prime Minister Takaichi will need to demonstrate leadership in this regard.
RELATED:
- On the G20 Stage, Takaichi Presses for Common Ground
- G20 Displays No Resolve to Resist US Protectionism or China
Author: Editorial Board, The Sankei Shimbun
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