How Xi worked the room at G20 while Biden went AWOL

Rio de Janeiro: The big challenges at the G20 summit were on display in a disorganised photo shoot when United States President Joe Biden arrived late to join other leaders.

Most of the leaders assembled on a podium for a group photo in front of the famous Sugarloaf Mountain in Rio de Janeiro, the summit’s host city. But nobody appeared to notice that Biden was running late – as were Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.

Chinese President Xi Jinping, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer in the group photo of G20 leaders.Credit: Alex Ellinghausen

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese spoke with Chinese President Xi Jinping in the centre of the group, with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer joining them after a few minutes. With a large press pack assembled, the photos were taken.

Only later did the missing trio appear – learning they were too late. Biden put his arm over Meloni’s shoulder as they walked off with Trudeau.

This was not the all-important “family photo”, but it was an important show of unity for the wider group, including smaller countries outside the top 20.

The photo shoot served as a metaphor for the difficulties in getting leaders in one place on issues such as climate change and the war in Ukraine.

This G20 cannot find a consensus on what to do about Ukraine or the war in the Middle East. Xi offers economic prosperity to those that trade with China, but he also helps Russia wage war. He can ensure there is no summit consensus on peace and security.

Biden is fading. He wanted to be a bridge to a new Democrat leadership but now makes way for Donald Trump. The White House said Biden was late to the photo because of logistical issues, but it is impossible to ignore another conclusion: the world will not wait for him.

Leaders do not have time to think about Biden when they must urgently prepare for Trump.

Xi is flexing his power. He never mentions Trump but his message in every speech and meeting is about the danger of protectionism – that is, the Trump agenda to impose tariffs.

Credit: Matt Golding

Xi is the antithesis of a free trader – he blocked Australian goods out of anger at our security policy – but he has a receptive audience when leaders are worried about what Trump may do.

Albanese is having a moment in the sun in Rio. He has had brief personal conversations with Xi outside their formal meeting, and can point to Australia’s economic gains from a better relationship with China.

But he has emphasised Australia’s defence alliance with the United States at every chance and has gone out of his way to show Biden respect and friendship.

Even so, Albanese cannot make too much of the economic dividend for Australia at this summit when the world is on course for immense uncertainty. This is the last G20 before Trump takes office, so there is no mistaking what is going on: Xi is on the rise, Biden is out of time and Trump is on the march.

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