G20 Summit Declares Progress Despite U.S. Boycott

The G20 summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, commenced on September 23, 2023, with a significant declaration adopted despite a boycott by the United States. This summit saw leaders discuss critical issues including disaster resilience, debt sustainability, energy transitions, and the management of critical minerals.

Notably, Chinese state-run media, such as the Global Times, reported triumphantly on the event, emphasizing that the adoption of the G20 South Africa Summit Leaders Declaration signaled the rising influence of China and Global South countries in global governance.

Chinese observers pointed to this as evidence of a growing consensus around the China-proposed Global Governance Initiative, which they believe is enhancing the multilateralism narrative. The summit's opening day was marked by the absence of key leaders, including Xi Jinping of China, and a notable boycott by the U.S., which refused to send high-level representatives, only dispatching the chargé d'affaires.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa’s decision to forgo the ceremonial handoff to the U.S. presidency drew attention, particularly as the declaration was issued without standard references to next year’s host nation.

The U.S. response was critical, accusing South Africa of undermining the G20’s founding principles and expressing frustration over the summit’s outcome. The White House stated that the U.S. would seek to restore the G20's legitimacy when it assumes the presidency next year.

Experts like Michael Bociurkiw from the Atlantic Council suggested that the joint declaration, despite the U.S. absence, reflects a shift in how countries may approach multilateral negotiations, particularly under the Trump administration.

However, some reports from other outlets, including The New York Times, noted that not all was harmonious, as Ramaphosa faced scrutiny over his claims regarding unanimous support for the declaration, particularly in light of Argentina's objections.

In conclusion, while the summit was hailed by some as a triumph for multilateralism, it also highlighted the divisions among member states and the uncertainty surrounding future U.S. engagement in the G20 framework.