China blocks G20 communique in North Carolina as Russian attendance spurs European boycott

Breakdown over trade and supply chains

The G20 finance ministers and central bank governors meeting in Asheville, North Carolina, ended on 1 September without a joint communique after China objected to key economic language. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent issued a presidential chair statement instead, reflecting consensus among the other 19 participants. According to official accounts, China opposed draft text addressing non-market policies and practices that worsen global trade imbalances. Beijing also rejected provisions on securing supply chains for critical minerals, energy, fertilizers, and food, alongside clauses on freedom of navigation. An unnamed senior US official described China as the primary driver of persistent economic distortions after 19 members, including the European Union, Japan, France, the United Kingdom, India, and Russia, agreed on the draft.

European and Canadian pushback on Russian attendance

The two-day summit was marked by tension over the unannounced appearance of Russian Finance Minister Anton Siluanov and Russian central bank officials, who attended at the invitation of the White House. European delegations objected to Siluanov's presence, coordinating to ensure his exclusion from the official family photograph. German Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil stated that hosting Siluanov sent an unwelcome message to partners supporting Ukraine.

Receiving the Russian finance minister here sends a signal I find troubling.

European Commissioner for Economy and Productivity Valdis Dombrovskis held a press conference on the final morning of talks, arguing against engaging Moscow while hostilities continue.

We do not think now is the time to normalise Russia or its presence at this type of meeting.

Canadian Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne also expressed discomfort with Siluanov's attendance, affirming continued solidarity with Ukraine and European partners.

Washington defends talks and sets bilateral stance

US President Donald Trump defended the decision to include Russian officials, stating that his approach relies on maintaining open channels with foreign counterparts.

We like getting along with everybody. One of the reasons I'm so successful, I get along with everybody.

Bessent met directly with Siluanov on the sidelines of the meeting. During the discussion, Bessent advocated for a US-proposed peace framework for Ukraine, while indicating that Washington would not grant economic concessions to Moscow before the conflict concludes. Bessent noted that while certain European partners expressed disappointment over the Russian presence, maintaining direct dialogue remains necessary.

Additional strains and upcoming summit

Discussions in Asheville faced further diplomatic friction beyond the Russia and China disputes. The United States excluded South Africa from the summit over allegations regarding the treatment of white farmers, and organizers denied press credentials to journalists from Bloomberg, The Wall Street Journal, and The New York Times. Trade friction also affected North American ties, as Canadian surtaxes on US goods are scheduled to take effect on 8 September following US tariff measures. The G20 heads of state are next scheduled to convene in December at a golf resort in Miami, Florida.