South Africa’s G20 presidency aimed to highlight global inequality, debt, and climate change, but U.S. President Donald Trump has dismissed its agenda. Secretary of State Marco Rubio called the goals “very bad” and will skip next week’s G20 meetings in Johannesburg.
South Africa’s G20 presidency was meant to bring attention to pressing concerns of developing nations, including rising inequality, unsustainable debt, and climate change. However, the U.S., the most powerful G20 member, has rejected Pretoria’s agenda.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on February 6 that he would not attend next week’s G20 foreign ministers' meeting in Johannesburg. President Trump further escalated tensions by cutting U.S. financial assistance to South Africa, citing opposition to its land redistribution policy and its genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice.
“The U.S. stance seems to be aimed at making sure that South Africa doesn't hold a successful G20,” said Ongama Mtimka, acting director at Nelson Mandela University’s Raymond Mhlaba Center for Governance and Leadership.
The G20, established after the 2008 financial crisis to include major emerging economies, plays a key role in global economic and climate policies. But analysts say the Trump administration’s stance raises questions about its future.
“The bigger question that one has to ask is what is the G20 without the United States?” said David Monyae, director of the Centre for Africa-China Studies at the University of Johannesburg. “The implications are much bigger than South Africa... It means the collapse of the G20 process itself.”
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has sought to use the G20 presidency to push for climate action and fairer financial systems for poorer nations. South Africa, like many developing countries, spends more on debt servicing than healthcare.
Despite U.S. opposition, Pretoria insists it has strong backing from other G20 members. Foreign ministry spokesperson Chrispin Phiri said South Africa would continue with its agenda “regardless of U.S. objections.”
Analysts suggest Washington’s stance benefits its rivals, allowing China and Russia to take a stronger leadership role within the G20. Chinese President Xi Jinping led key discussions at the last G20 summit in Brazil and has announced support measures for emerging economies.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov will both attend the February 20-21 meetings in Johannesburg. Russia’s foreign ministry said several developing G20 members had approached Moscow with proposals ahead of the summit.
G20 power struggles are further complicated by its overlap with BRICS—a bloc including China, Russia, Brazil, India, and South Africa—formed to challenge U.S.-led global governance.
Trump last month warned BRICS members against replacing the U.S. dollar as a reserve currency, repeating a 100% tariff threat he first made after winning the U.S. presidential election.
The upcoming G20 finance ministers’ meeting on February 26-27 remains uncertain, as U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has not confirmed his attendance.
South Africa holds the G20 presidency until December, when the U.S. will take over. A leaders' summit is scheduled for November.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says Russia handed over 21 bodies in a recent exchange—20 of them were Russian soldiers, and one a foreign mercenary.
India’s Home Minister Amit Shah says the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan "will never be restored," accusing Islamabad of violating the agreement.
Israeli fighter jets have destroyed three Iranian F-14s in the latest wave of airstrikes targeting central Iran, according to the IDF.
Germany’s federal government spent over 1.2 billion euros on software, licenses and IT services in 2024, more than 25% higher than the previous year.
UFC Fight Night in Baku is underway at Baku Crystal Hall, with the main card scheduled to begin at 11:00 PM.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says Russia handed over 21 bodies in a recent exchange—20 of them were Russian soldiers, and one a foreign mercenary.
India’s Home Minister Amit Shah says the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan "will never be restored," accusing Islamabad of violating the agreement.
Israeli fighter jets have destroyed three Iranian F-14s in the latest wave of airstrikes targeting central Iran, according to the IDF.
Germany’s federal government spent over 1.2 billion euros on software, licenses and IT services in 2024, more than 25% higher than the previous year.
UFC Fight Night in Baku is underway at Baku Crystal Hall, with the main card scheduled to begin at 11:00 PM.
Iranian missiles struck multiple locations across Israel and neighbouring regions early Friday morning, including a Microsoft office complex, according to emergency responders and local media reports.
A high-speed tram derailment in central Gothenburg, Sweden, has left at least eight people injured late on Thursday (19 June), after the vehicle slammed into a snack bar on Avenyn Avenue.
The 2025 G7 Leaders’ Summit was held June 15–17 in Kananaskis, Alberta, under Canada’s presidency. Prime Minister Mark Carney framed the meeting around priorities of protecting communities, energy and climate security, the digital transition, and future partnerships.
The USS Nimitz is heading to the Middle East amid tensions between Israel and Iran. The U.S. aircraft carrier has a decades-long history in the region, from the 1979 hostage crisis to modern deployments, often serving as a key asset during periods of rising friction with Iran.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for June 17th, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Afghanistan’s Taliban-led interim government has dismissed a recent United Nations report on the country’s security, human rights, and economic situation, calling it inaccurate and misleading.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says Russia handed over 21 bodies in a recent exchange—20 of them were Russian soldiers, and one a foreign mercenary.
India’s Home Minister Amit Shah says the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan "will never be restored," accusing Islamabad of violating the agreement.
Israeli fighter jets have destroyed three Iranian F-14s in the latest wave of airstrikes targeting central Iran, according to the IDF.
UFC Fight Night in Baku is underway at Baku Crystal Hall, with the main card scheduled to begin at 11:00 PM.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says Russia handed over 21 bodies in a recent exchange—20 of them were Russian soldiers, and one a foreign mercenary.
India’s Home Minister Amit Shah says the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan "will never be restored," accusing Islamabad of violating the agreement.
Israeli fighter jets have destroyed three Iranian F-14s in the latest wave of airstrikes targeting central Iran, according to the IDF.
Germany’s federal government spent over 1.2 billion euros on software, licenses and IT services in 2024, more than 25% higher than the previous year.
UFC Fight Night in Baku is underway at Baku Crystal Hall, with the main card scheduled to begin at 11:00 PM.
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