G20 between global agreement and growing challenges

Ayah Ezz

World leaders have wrapped up the G20 summit in Osaka, Japan. The two-day event discussed world economy, trade, development, investment, innovation, energy and employment.

The summit coincided with escalating trade tensions between the US and a number of countries, mainly China, which was hit by US trade sanctions.  In May, the US increased tariffs on $200 billion worth of Chinese goods exported to the US, and banned American companies doing business with Chinese telecom giant Huawei.

The US has revoked special trade benefits extended to India.

The G20 leaders have agreed a final declaration after a fight between the EU and US on climate change that risked collapsing the leaders’ statement.

Under the compromise struck at the last minute on Saturday, heads of state from 19 of the 20 countries backed the Paris Agreement, while the United States secured a carve-out under an ‘agree to disagree’ framework.

US President Donald Trump said he would allow US companies to continue to sell to the Chinese tech giant Huawei, in a move seen as a significant concession.

The G20 leaders will also address migration and promise to “closely” work with the UN and other international organizations on their migration policies, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said.

President Trump said if Turkey installs the Russian S400 missile system, it will be sanctioned, and unable to receive US F-35 fighter jets.

As for Iran, Trump voiced the desire not to use the military option in dealing with Tehran, citing its negative impact that might harm the Iranian people.

Despite all of the efforts by the G20 leaders to sort out their differences, the lack of political will to abide by these commitments will hold back joint cooperation to resolve global crises and conflicts effectively.

Moreover, President Trump is still unclear when it comes to policies. There’s some ambiguity regarding a number of issues. His decisions are based on the man-of-deals concept which has ushered in some instability.

The Middle East is unstable as the regional powers are racing to boost influence. Turkey is trying to bolster its presence in Syria via Russian rapprochement to control the north of Syria.