G20 finance leaders approve statement despite Russia, China disputes

G20 finance ministers concluded two days of deliberations in Asheville, North Carolina, on Tuesday, securing broad consensus for a final communique despite lingering disputes over Russia’s participation and divergent positions with China. The summit, which brought together senior fiscal officials from the world’s largest economies, sought to balance geopolitical sensitivities with the agenda of reinforcing global financial stability.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent affirmed that Moscow’s presence did not derail the talks, as participants also addressed the war in the Middle East, tariff policies, persistent global trade imbalances and the ongoing financial support for Ukraine. The ministers’ ability to endorse a unified statement underscores a collective commitment to coordinated economic action, even as they navigate complex diplomatic challenges.