Rubio Skips G20 Meeting Citing Anti-American Policies of South Africa

Marco Rubio, U.S. Secretary of State, will skip the G20 foreign ministers’ meeting in South Africa after labeling the country’s policies as anti-American. His absence illustrates a notable decline in U.S. relations with South Africa while other key nations continue to support its G20 agenda. The situation highlights the ongoing tension in multilateral cooperation under the Trump administration.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio will not attend the G20 foreign ministers’ meeting in Johannesburg, South Africa, stating the host country’s policies are anti-American. Following his diplomatic trip to the Middle East, Rubio is returning to the U.S. instead of participating in discussions where top European and Chinese officials are expected.

Rubio’s absence highlights the diminishing U.S. involvement in international cooperation, contrasting with South Africa’s G20 theme of solidarity and sustainability aimed at supporting poorer nations. He criticized South Africa’s G20 presidency for promoting diversity, equality, and inclusion frameworks, claiming they do not align with U.S. national interests.

This decision mirrors a broader decline in U.S.-South Africa relations, as Trump’s recent executive order halted U.S. aid over a controversial land law. The order characterized South Africa’s foreign policy as anti-American and criticized its ties to China. Despite Rubio’s absence, South Africa’s Foreign Minister noted that the U.S. would still participate in the G20 in some capacity.

Experts suggest that despite U.S. disengagement, other nations like the EU, Russia, and China would continue to support South Africa’s G20 agenda. Furthermore, the ongoing diplomatic dynamics between the U.S. and its allies in the G20 remain a critical factor, as multilateralism faces significant challenges today.

In summary, Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s absence from the G20 meeting in South Africa underscores the strained U.S.-South Africa relations amid criticism of South Africa’s policies. This decision reflects the Trump administration’s broader indifference to international collaboration, although other nations still aim to support the G20 under South Africa’s presidency. The geopolitical dynamics present a complex challenge for U.S. foreign relations moving forward.

Original Source: apnews.com