G20 presidency/ Cyril Ramaphosa/ Donald Trump/ BRICS trade tensions/ climate change policy/ global economic cooperation/ South Africa diplomacy/ Newslooks/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ South African President Cyril Ramaphosa assures the G20 can handle challenges posed by Donald Trump’s presidency. As South Africa takes over the G20 leadership, Ramaphosa pledges to prioritize climate change and global cooperation. Trump’s trade policies and BRICS tensions are key concerns for the bloc’s future.
G20 and Trump: Quick Looks
- Leadership Transition: South Africa takes over G20 presidency from Brazil.
- Ramaphosa’s Priorities: Focus on climate change and developing nations.
- Trump’s Policies: Threats of 100% tariffs on BRICS countries.
- BRICS and the Dollar: Trump warns against efforts to reduce dollar dependency.
- Global Cooperation: Ramaphosa expresses confidence in G20 “shock absorbers.”
- State Visit: Ramaphosa invites Trump to South Africa, with potential golf diplomacy.
G20 Has ‘Shock Absorbers’ to Trump’s Return,’ Says Ramaphosa
Deep Look
South Africa Assumes G20 Leadership
President Cyril Ramaphosa marked the occasion by emphasizing the bloc’s resilience and ability to function despite challenges posed by incoming U.S. President Donald Trump’s expected “America First” policies.
Ramaphosa pledged to focus on the impact of climate change on developing nations, a stark contrast to Trump’s skepticism toward international climate initiatives. The South African president underscored the need for consensus-driven decision-making to ensure the G20 remains effective during Trump’s second term, which begins January 20, 2025.
Trump’s Economic Threats Loom Large
Trump’s combative foreign policy could test the G20’s unity. He has proposed new tariffs on China, Mexico, and Canada and recently threatened 100% tariffs on BRICS nations, including South Africa, Brazil, Russia, India, and China. Trump criticized BRICS countries’ discussions on reducing reliance on the U.S. dollar, warning they risk losing access to the U.S. economy.
Despite Trump’s threats, analysts note that shifting away from the dollar in global trade remains unlikely due to its entrenched dominance in international finance. Ramaphosa called for dialogue and cooperation within the G20 to address these tensions and safeguard global economic stability.
Climate Change as a Key Agenda
Under South Africa’s leadership, the G20 will aim to elevate climate change as a central issue, particularly its disproportionate effects on developing nations. Ramaphosa’s climate focus aligns with the priorities of many G20 members but may face resistance from Trump’s administration, which has historically downplayed environmental concerns and international climate agreements.
South Africa’s Diplomatic Outreach
In his efforts to foster collaboration, Ramaphosa revealed that he had reached out to Trump to congratulate him on his electoral victory. He extended an invitation for Trump to make a state visit to South Africa, emphasizing the country’s world-class golf courses as an incentive. Ramaphosa humorously suggested that a golf game could serve as a platform for discussing global issues ahead of the G20 summit in South Africa in late 2025.
G20 Unity in a Challenging Era
Ramaphosa expressed confidence in the G20’s ability to weather Trump’s policies, citing the group’s “shock absorbers” designed to maintain functionality during turbulent times. He emphasized that the G20’s mission is to advance the interests of people worldwide, transcending individual nations’ policies. South Africa, Brazil, and the United States will work closely over the next 12 months, per G20 protocol, to ensure a smooth leadership transition at the end of 2025.
Looking Forward
As the G20 navigates a new phase under South Africa’s presidency, balancing global cooperation with the Trump administration’s unilateral tendencies will be a critical challenge. Ramaphosa’s emphasis on inclusivity and dialogue sets a hopeful tone, but the bloc’s ability to achieve consensus will likely be tested in the coming year.
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