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U.S. Treasury's Bessent Skips G20 South Africa, Heads to World Expo 2025
DURBAN, SOUTH AFRICA, JUL 14 – US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent's absence highlights rising tensions and challenges in addressing global economic pressures and climate finance at the G-20 finance chiefs meeting, officials said.
- U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent skipped the G-20 finance chiefs meeting in Durban on July 17 and 18, 2025, to attend the Osaka-Kansai Expo in Japan.
- Bessent’s absence reflects growing U.S. retreat from G-20 climate and financial policy coordination amid rising tensions with Brics countries and impending tariff increases starting August 1.
- South Africa, hosting the G-20 presidency since December under the motto 'Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability,' faces economic pressures including $800 billion in sub-Saharan debt and aid cuts affecting continental investment.
- South Africa’s central bank deputy governor Fundi Tshazibana highlighted policy uncertainty as the dominant issue, while analysts expressed concerns that Bessent’s absence calls into question the G-20’s long-term sustainability.
- The Durban meeting aims to issue its first communique under South Africa’s presidency but highlights significant challenges managing geopolitical rivalries, funding gaps, and stalled climate risk policies.
12 Articles
12 Articles
Ishiba Likely to Meet with Bessent in Tokyo This Week; U.S. Treasury Secretary to Attend Expo Event
Arrangements are being made for Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba to meet with U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who is scheduled to visit Japan to attend an event at the 2025 Osaka-Kansai Expo in Osaka on Saturday, it has been learned.
Bessent no-show, BRICS tensions set to cast shadow over Durban G20 meeting
JOHANNESBURG: Another no-show by US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Donald Trump’s tariff threats and rising tensions between Washington and BRICS countries look set to overshadow this week’s meeting of G20 finance chiefs in Durban, South Africa. © New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
Ishiba eyes talks with U.S. treasury chief possibly on Fri. in Japan
Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba is seeking to hold talks with U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, possibly on Friday, during his visit to Japan for the World Exposition, government sources said, as the deadline for the imposition of steep tariffs by the United States looms.
U.S. Treasury's Bessent Skips G20 South Africa, Heads to World Expo 2025
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent will not attend the G20 finance meeting in South Africa, instead participating in the World Expo 2025 in Japan. Michael Kaplan will represent the U.S. at the G20 event. This decision aligns with previous G20 meeting absences amid U.S.-South Africa tensions.
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