JOHANNESBURG, Feb 12 – South Africa’s tenure as G20 president faces mounting challenges as the United States, the group’s most influential member, refuses to support its agenda. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio labeled South Africa’s G20 goals as “very bad” on Feb. 6 and announced his decision to skip next week’s foreign ministers’ meeting in Johannesburg.
The rift deepened as President Donald Trump cut U.S. financial assistance to South Africa, citing disapproval of its land redistribution policies and its genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice. The withdrawal of U.S. backing raises questions about the effectiveness of the G20 under South Africa’s leadership, with analysts warning of broader implications for the global economic forum.
G20’s Relevance in Question
Originally established after the 2007-08 financial crisis to include emerging economies in global financial discussions, the G20 plays a crucial role in shaping economic policy and climate action. With member nations accounting for 85% of the world economy and over three-quarters of greenhouse gas emissions, the forum’s influence is significant. However, Washington’s stance casts doubt on its relevance.
“The bigger question is: what is the G20 without the United States?” said David Monyae, director of the Centre for Africa-China Studies at the University of Johannesburg. “The implications go beyond South Africa. A U.S. pullback could lead to the collapse of the G20 process itself.”
China and Russia Step In
Amid U.S. opposition, South Africa is finding support from other G20 members, particularly China and Russia. Chinese President Xi Jinping took a prominent role at the last G20 summit in Brazil, rolling out initiatives to bolster emerging economies. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and his Russian counterpart, Sergei Lavrov, are set to attend the upcoming meetings in Johannesburg.
“China attaches great importance to G20 cooperation and is willing to work with all parties to support the South African presidency,” Beijing’s foreign ministry stated.
Russia is also engaging with developing nations within the G20, with Moscow’s foreign ministry confirming that multiple countries have sought discussions with Lavrov ahead of the February 20-21 summit.
The BRICS Factor and U.S. Retaliation
The evolving power dynamics within the G20 are complicated by the presence of BRICS—an economic bloc comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. Often seen as a counterweight to U.S.-led financial institutions, BRICS has been exploring alternatives to the U.S. dollar as a global reserve currency, a move that has drawn sharp criticism from Washington. Last month, Trump warned BRICS nations against such efforts and reiterated his threat to impose 100% tariffs on trade partners.
Despite U.S. objections, South Africa remains determined to push forward with its agenda, focusing on climate change and financial equity for poorer nations. Foreign ministry spokesperson Chrispin Phiri confirmed that Pretoria enjoys “strong support from other G20 countries” and will proceed with its initiatives.
