【By Observer News, Wang Yi】On the evening of November 23, the 20th G20 Leaders' Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, concluded. According to Bloomberg News, Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau stated at a press conference that day that the world can still make progress on many issues even without the participation of the United States. Although the G20 consensus was reached under the resistance of the Trump administration, it still carries weight.

American "Newsweek" on the 23rd pointed out that Trudeau, when talking about the absence of the United States at the end of the summit, implied that if the world's largest economy chooses to stand by, other countries would not be helpless.

"This summit brought together countries representing three-quarters of the global population, two-thirds of global GDP, and three-quarters of global trade, even though the United States did not attend officially," said Trudeau. "This reminds us that the center of the global economy is shifting."

Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau conversing with South African President Ramaphosa during the 20th G20 Leaders' Summit. Social Media

The United States previously refused to attend this G20 summit, citing so-called "abuse" of white farmers in South Africa, allowing violence, and land expropriation. Before the meeting, the U.S. embassy in South Africa reiterated this position and informed the South African government that the U.S. opposed any summit outcome documents being issued based on the G20 consensus without their consent.

However, this year's G20 host country, South Africa, withstood U.S. pressure and announced on the 22nd that all participants had reached a consensus on the core agenda of the meeting, and adopted the "G20 Leaders' Johannesburg Summit Declaration," which is also the first time the G20 summit has passed a joint declaration on the opening day.

It is reported that the declaration contains 122 items, emphasizing the need for multilateral cooperation to address global challenges, and calling for increased support for developing countries to promote inclusive growth and sustainable development.

Trudeau also introduced his efforts to strengthen multilateral cooperation with countries such as South Africa, China, and India during the press conference.

"We are signing new agreements, introducing new investors, and providing support for Canada's economic ambitions," he said. "From the Indo-Pacific to Europe, we will expand partnerships in multiple areas such as artificial intelligence and energy, increase trade, and promote cooperation."

Trudeau wrote on the social media platform X, "Congratulations to South African President Ramaphosa for successfully hosting the first G20 summit held on African soil. We have just launched negotiations on an investment protection agreement to promote commercial exchanges between the two countries and create more opportunities for Canadians and South Africans."

According to information published on the official website of the Canadian Prime Minister, the two countries will further deepen business relations and strengthen cooperation in key minerals, energy, and advanced technology sectors.

The website also announced that Canada will establish a new trilateral partnership with Australia and India in technology and innovation, strengthening cooperation in key minerals, clean energy, and artificial intelligence. Indian Prime Minister Modi also praised on X the "productive" meeting with Trudeau, stating that both sides agreed to "further advance bilateral relations in the coming months, especially in trade, investment, science and technology, innovation, energy, and education."

Bloomberg noted that Canada and India are striving to improve tense relations. In 2023, relations between the two countries were strained due to allegations of an Indian agent allegedly assassinating an Indian-Canadian citizen within Canada.

Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) reported that a senior Canadian official revealed that as the international trade system collapsed, the Trudeau government "realistically" recognized that Canada cannot afford to engage only with countries that agree with it on all issues. However, there are still voices in Canada warning that threats from India should still be "watched" when problems remain unresolved.

Before attending the G20 summit in South Africa, Trudeau met with UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi on the 20th. On the 23rd, Trudeau mentioned that the UAE pledged to invest 7 billion Canadian dollars (about 35.28 billion Chinese yuan) in Canada, but did not disclose specific details.

"This is the largest investment commitment Canada has ever received," said the official website of the Canadian Prime Minister. "In a rapidly changing and more uncertain world, Canada is building new partnerships, expanding markets, and strengthening industries to provide high-paying jobs for Canadians."

When Trudeau became prime minister in March, Trump was imposing tariffs on Canada and threatening to make it the 51st state of the United States. During his campaign, Trudeau often expressed dissatisfaction with Trump's threats. After taking office, he has been working to reduce Canada's economic dependence on the United States.

CBC reported on November 21 that U.S. tariffs continue to severely impact many sectors in Canada, and uncertainty is dragging down its economy. The Canadian government's latest budget promises to double non-U.S. exports over the next decade. This G20, Trudeau's agenda focused on strengthening Canada's strength and achieving trade diversification, thereby significantly reducing dependence on the United States.

Trudeau emphasized at the press conference on the 23rd that he would not let Trump dictate his agenda. He said, "I will call him again when it is truly important," "I don't have pressing issues to discuss with the president right now. When the United States is willing to return to trade issues, we will have discussions."

Other countries continued to move forward without the United States at the G20 summit. The UK's Financial Times noticed on the 24th that usually, the current G20 presidency would hand over the chairmanship to the next host country and take a photo with the current and next presidents as per tradition. However, due to the absence of the United States, the Ramaphosa team used an alternative plan.

"I now announce that this gavel... formally announces the closing of this summit and hands it over to the next G20 presidency, which is the United States," he said while smiling and tapping the table, then turned around and embraced Trudeau, Brazilian President Lula, and European Commission President von der Leyen warmly.

This article is an exclusive piece by Observer News. Unauthorized reproduction is prohibited.

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