Overview
- Leaders convened on November 22 for a two-day summit in South Africa, with reports signaling limited prospects for major outcomes.
- The Trump administration refused head-of-state participation and said no U.S. officials would join discussions, citing disputed claims about white persecution in South Africa.
- Delegates face the question of adopting a joint declaration, as reporting indicates Washington has signaled it would accept only a chair’s statement.
- Host South Africa set priorities on disaster resilience, relief for low-income country debt, and equitable use of critical minerals.
- Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is promoting WTO-centered trade and a free and open Indo-Pacific, while China is represented by Premier Li Qiang after Xi’s decision not to attend.