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G20 Summit Live Updates: Wagging His Finger, Trump Tells Putin, ‘Don’t Meddle’ G20 Summit Live Updates: Wagging His Finger, Trump Tells Putin, ‘Don’t Meddle’
(32 minutes later)
President Trump appeared to make light of Russia’s interference in the 2016 election on Friday as he met with President Vladimir V. Putin and, in an almost playful tone, told him not to do it again.President Trump appeared to make light of Russia’s interference in the 2016 election on Friday as he met with President Vladimir V. Putin and, in an almost playful tone, told him not to do it again.
In their first meeting since the special counsel, Robert S. Mueller III, reported that Russia had mounted a systematic operation to influence the last presidential election on Mr. Trump’s behalf, the two leaders made no mention of that issue or other points of contention between them while news cameras recorded the moment.In their first meeting since the special counsel, Robert S. Mueller III, reported that Russia had mounted a systematic operation to influence the last presidential election on Mr. Trump’s behalf, the two leaders made no mention of that issue or other points of contention between them while news cameras recorded the moment.
Only when a reporter asked Mr. Trump if he would tell Mr. Putin not to meddle in American elections did the president comment.Only when a reporter asked Mr. Trump if he would tell Mr. Putin not to meddle in American elections did the president comment.
“Yes, of course,” Mr. Trump said.“Yes, of course,” Mr. Trump said.
Turning to Mr. Putin, he said, “Don’t meddle in the election.”Turning to Mr. Putin, he said, “Don’t meddle in the election.”
Then, wagging his finger in a lighthearted way, he repeated, “Don’t meddle in the election.”Then, wagging his finger in a lighthearted way, he repeated, “Don’t meddle in the election.”
It was hardly the stern approach Mr. Trump’s critics back home have demanded he take with Russia, and it was likely to stir a fresh furor over his polite and deferential approach to the Russian leader. Last year in Helsinki, Finland, the last time they had an official meeting, Mr. Trump equated Mr. Putin’s denial of any election intrusion with the contrary conclusion of American intelligence agencies.It was hardly the stern approach Mr. Trump’s critics back home have demanded he take with Russia, and it was likely to stir a fresh furor over his polite and deferential approach to the Russian leader. Last year in Helsinki, Finland, the last time they had an official meeting, Mr. Trump equated Mr. Putin’s denial of any election intrusion with the contrary conclusion of American intelligence agencies.
President Trump voiced optimism on Friday afternoon about upcoming trade talks with China, saying that his planned meeting on Saturday morning with China’s top leader, Xi Jinping, would be productive.
Taking questions during a joint news conference with President Jair Bolsonaro of Brazil, Mr. Trump talked repeatedly about the Xi meeting, while avoiding specific predictions. “At a minimum, it will be productive — we’ll see what happens and what comes out of it,” Mr. Trump said.
He denied recent news reports that he had promised not to impose any new tariffs on China in order to arrange his meeting with Mr. Xi on Saturday. “No, I didn’t promise,” he said.
Mr. Trump’s senior aides have just gone through the necessary legal steps for him to impose tariffs of up to 25 percent on $300 billion a year worth of American imports from China. But they have not given any timetable for when he might actually do so.
Mr. Trump tried to portray the overall trade war as likely to end well. “I think we have a very good chance, we’ll see what happens,” he said.
To the surprise of exactly no one, President Trump sneaked a look at the Democratic debate in between meetings with world leaders. And to the surprise of exactly no one, he professed not to be impressed.To the surprise of exactly no one, President Trump sneaked a look at the Democratic debate in between meetings with world leaders. And to the surprise of exactly no one, he professed not to be impressed.
Mr. Trump evidently passed a television set just before joining Chancellor Angela Merkel of Germany. “All Democrats just raised their hands for giving millions of illegal aliens unlimited healthcare,” he (or perhaps an aide) quickly typed out on his Twitter account. “How about taking care of American Citizens first!? That’s the end of that race!”Mr. Trump evidently passed a television set just before joining Chancellor Angela Merkel of Germany. “All Democrats just raised their hands for giving millions of illegal aliens unlimited healthcare,” he (or perhaps an aide) quickly typed out on his Twitter account. “How about taking care of American Citizens first!? That’s the end of that race!”
He then sat with Ms. Merkel and went ahead with the same criticism of Democrats as reporters were invited in the room.He then sat with Ms. Merkel and went ahead with the same criticism of Democrats as reporters were invited in the room.
“You know they have a debate going on,” he said to Ms. Merkel. “They had the first debate last night. Perhaps you saw it. It wasn’t very exciting, I can tell you that. And they have another one going on. They definitely have plenty of candidates, that’s about it. So I look forward to spending time with you rather than watching.”“You know they have a debate going on,” he said to Ms. Merkel. “They had the first debate last night. Perhaps you saw it. It wasn’t very exciting, I can tell you that. And they have another one going on. They definitely have plenty of candidates, that’s about it. So I look forward to spending time with you rather than watching.”
One thing world leaders have learned is how to play up to President Trump when he visits. In the latest example, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe of Japan at their meeting on Friday gave the president a one-page map and chart — rendered in red, white and blue — showing recent Japanese investments in the United States.One thing world leaders have learned is how to play up to President Trump when he visits. In the latest example, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe of Japan at their meeting on Friday gave the president a one-page map and chart — rendered in red, white and blue — showing recent Japanese investments in the United States.
“Japan has FIVE Additional Investments in JUST ONE MONTH,” the sheet declared with Trumpian boldness.“Japan has FIVE Additional Investments in JUST ONE MONTH,” the sheet declared with Trumpian boldness.
The five investments were all pretty small-bore — $2 million for job training in Michigan and $3 million for 34 new jobs in Alabama, for example. The biggest one was $100 million financing 150 new jobs at a plant in Kentucky.The five investments were all pretty small-bore — $2 million for job training in Michigan and $3 million for 34 new jobs in Alabama, for example. The biggest one was $100 million financing 150 new jobs at a plant in Kentucky.
But the details matter less than the point — Mr. Abe, like other world leaders, has come to understand that the way to appeal to Mr. Trump is to tell him they are spending money in the United States. Mr. Trump thanked Mr. Abe for “sending” auto companies to the United States. “They’re building magnificent plants,” he said.But the details matter less than the point — Mr. Abe, like other world leaders, has come to understand that the way to appeal to Mr. Trump is to tell him they are spending money in the United States. Mr. Trump thanked Mr. Abe for “sending” auto companies to the United States. “They’re building magnificent plants,” he said.
As the host of the G20 summit, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has lined up a series of bilateral talks with leaders from around the globe, including President Trump, President Xi Jinping of China, Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India, Prime Minister Theresa May of Britain and Prime Minister Macky Sall of Senegal.As the host of the G20 summit, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has lined up a series of bilateral talks with leaders from around the globe, including President Trump, President Xi Jinping of China, Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India, Prime Minister Theresa May of Britain and Prime Minister Macky Sall of Senegal.
Conspicuously missing is a meeting between Mr. Abe and Moon Jae-in, the president of South Korea. Given the fact that they are close neighbors, have shared concerns about North Korea and both host American military troops at a time when Mr. Trump has been questioning the need for bases abroad, it would seem the two leaders might have plenty to talk about.Conspicuously missing is a meeting between Mr. Abe and Moon Jae-in, the president of South Korea. Given the fact that they are close neighbors, have shared concerns about North Korea and both host American military troops at a time when Mr. Trump has been questioning the need for bases abroad, it would seem the two leaders might have plenty to talk about.
But diplomatic relations between the two countries have frayed considerably of late. The two countries have long tussled over painful historical memories, with South Korea pushing Japan to more fully accept responsibility for occupying Korea and mobilizing Koreans for its war effort. But more recently, the old wounds have been reopened by a series of court decisions in Seoul regarding citizens who were conscripted to work effectively as slave laborers in Japanese factories during World War II. But diplomatic relations between the two countries have frayed considerably of late. The two countries have long tussled over painful historical memories, with South Korea pushing Japan to more fully accept responsibility for occupying Korea and mobilizing Koreans for its war effort. But more recently, the old wounds have been reopened by a series of court decisions in Seoul regarding citizens who were conscripted to work effectively as slave laborers in Japanese factories during World War II.
Japanese government officials have steadfastly declined to answer questions about why the two sides are not meeting at the G20. But in a media briefing Friday morning, Takeshi Osuga, press secretary for the Foreign Ministry, suggested that a meeting could yet take place.Japanese government officials have steadfastly declined to answer questions about why the two sides are not meeting at the G20. But in a media briefing Friday morning, Takeshi Osuga, press secretary for the Foreign Ministry, suggested that a meeting could yet take place.
President Trump and Xi Jinping, the top leader of China, both said at a news briefing early Friday afternoon that they wanted to foster the global development of the digital economy, but offered no details on how they might resolve their differences on what that economy might look like.President Trump and Xi Jinping, the top leader of China, both said at a news briefing early Friday afternoon that they wanted to foster the global development of the digital economy, but offered no details on how they might resolve their differences on what that economy might look like.
China has become the world’s dominant manufacturer and exporter of digital surveillance equipment, using it extensively at home and selling it to other countries, particularly in the developing world. Mr. Xi said that the interests of developing countries and industrialized countries would need to be carefully balanced in the digital economy.China has become the world’s dominant manufacturer and exporter of digital surveillance equipment, using it extensively at home and selling it to other countries, particularly in the developing world. Mr. Xi said that the interests of developing countries and industrialized countries would need to be carefully balanced in the digital economy.
“Effective data governance,” he said, “will not only facilitate the collection, analysis, application and flow of data, but also respect the right to self-management of all countries and ensure secure and orderly utilization of data.”“Effective data governance,” he said, “will not only facilitate the collection, analysis, application and flow of data, but also respect the right to self-management of all countries and ensure secure and orderly utilization of data.”
Mr. Trump said that the United States opposed some countries’ requirements that data be held within their borders. Not only China but also countries like India have enacted stringent rules requiring that data from their citizens be stored within their borders, where their security services are readily able to access it.Mr. Trump said that the United States opposed some countries’ requirements that data be held within their borders. Not only China but also countries like India have enacted stringent rules requiring that data from their citizens be stored within their borders, where their security services are readily able to access it.
Less than 24 hours after tweeting a strong complaint about India’s trade policies, part of a barrage of criticism of American allies, President Trump met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India. Mr. Trump began their conversation with congratulations on Mr. Modi’s recent re-election and conciliatory comments about the need for close bilateral relations.Less than 24 hours after tweeting a strong complaint about India’s trade policies, part of a barrage of criticism of American allies, President Trump met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India. Mr. Trump began their conversation with congratulations on Mr. Modi’s recent re-election and conciliatory comments about the need for close bilateral relations.
The relationship with India, Mr. Trump said, has not “ever been better than it is right now.” Mr. Modi said the two leaders would be discussing Iran, 5G mobile communications, bilateral relations and defense relations. “We have a position which is farsighted and positive,” Mr. Modi said.The relationship with India, Mr. Trump said, has not “ever been better than it is right now.” Mr. Modi said the two leaders would be discussing Iran, 5G mobile communications, bilateral relations and defense relations. “We have a position which is farsighted and positive,” Mr. Modi said.
Mr. Trump had tweeted before arriving in Osaka: “I look forward to speaking with Prime Minister Modi about the fact that India, for years having put very high Tariffs against the United States, just recently increased the Tariffs even further. This is unacceptable and the Tariffs must be withdrawn!”Mr. Trump had tweeted before arriving in Osaka: “I look forward to speaking with Prime Minister Modi about the fact that India, for years having put very high Tariffs against the United States, just recently increased the Tariffs even further. This is unacceptable and the Tariffs must be withdrawn!”
Three weeks ago, Mr. Trump suspended India’s participation in the Generalized System of Preferences, an American program that allows goods from the world’s poorest nations to enter the United States with zero tariffs. India retaliated several days later by imposing tariffs on 28 products imported from the United States, including almonds, apples and walnuts.Three weeks ago, Mr. Trump suspended India’s participation in the Generalized System of Preferences, an American program that allows goods from the world’s poorest nations to enter the United States with zero tariffs. India retaliated several days later by imposing tariffs on 28 products imported from the United States, including almonds, apples and walnuts.
Finance ministers and central bankers have long played a central role in organizing and running the Group of 20, but at this year’s summit, many of the big issues involve trade ministers.Finance ministers and central bankers have long played a central role in organizing and running the Group of 20, but at this year’s summit, many of the big issues involve trade ministers.
In a clear attempt at rebuffing the Trump administration, China has come to the Osaka summit with the clear goal of putting language into the summit’s communiqué that would condemn unilateral actions on trade. The language would be aimed at rallying world opinion against President Trump’s imposition of 25 percent tariffs on $250 billion a year worth of Chinese exports to the United States.In a clear attempt at rebuffing the Trump administration, China has come to the Osaka summit with the clear goal of putting language into the summit’s communiqué that would condemn unilateral actions on trade. The language would be aimed at rallying world opinion against President Trump’s imposition of 25 percent tariffs on $250 billion a year worth of Chinese exports to the United States.
The United States has insisted that China open its markets much more to imports and buy more American goods. China was still clearly a developing country when it joined the World Trade Organization in 2001. So it was allowed to keep many trade barriers, like high tariffs on imports, that developing countries are typically allowed to retain but industrialized countries are not.The United States has insisted that China open its markets much more to imports and buy more American goods. China was still clearly a developing country when it joined the World Trade Organization in 2001. So it was allowed to keep many trade barriers, like high tariffs on imports, that developing countries are typically allowed to retain but industrialized countries are not.
Expectations are very low for a comprehensive settlement of the many trade issues that divide the United States and China. Investors in financial markets have been watching for signs that Mr. Trump might agree not to go ahead with higher tariffs on another $300 billion a year of Chinese goods. But while the president’s advisers have made the legal preparations for him to order an increase in these tariffs, Mr. Trump has not actually set any timetable for acting.Expectations are very low for a comprehensive settlement of the many trade issues that divide the United States and China. Investors in financial markets have been watching for signs that Mr. Trump might agree not to go ahead with higher tariffs on another $300 billion a year of Chinese goods. But while the president’s advisers have made the legal preparations for him to order an increase in these tariffs, Mr. Trump has not actually set any timetable for acting.
Relations between China and Japan may be warming, but that did not stop Prime Minister Shinzo Abe from implicitly criticizing China for its record on civil rights on Thursday night.Relations between China and Japan may be warming, but that did not stop Prime Minister Shinzo Abe from implicitly criticizing China for its record on civil rights on Thursday night.
At a briefing in Osaka, Takeshi Osuga, press secretary for Japan’s Foreign Ministry, said that Mr. Abe had pointed out to China’s president, Xi Jinping, the importance of a “free and open Hong Kong, prosperous under one country, two systems, with the recent situation around Hong Kong’s extradition law in mind.”At a briefing in Osaka, Takeshi Osuga, press secretary for Japan’s Foreign Ministry, said that Mr. Abe had pointed out to China’s president, Xi Jinping, the importance of a “free and open Hong Kong, prosperous under one country, two systems, with the recent situation around Hong Kong’s extradition law in mind.”
It was a clear reference to the huge protests in the city over a proposed law that would allow extraditions to mainland China. Mr. Abe also “emphasized the importance of upholding international values such as respect of freedom and human rights,” including with the Uighurs, ethnic minorities whom China has been persecuting by putting them in indoctrination camps. It was a clear reference to the huge protests in the city over a proposed law that would allow extraditions to mainland China. Demonstrators there have appealed to G20 countries to raise the issue with Mr. Xi in Osaka.
By the time President Xi Jinping sits down with President Trump on Saturday, he will already have met with the leaders of Russia, India, Japan and several other nations a choreography devised by the Chinese to portray Mr. Xi as a man of the world with enough friends to offset the animosity of the United States. In his meeting with the Chinese leader, Mr. Abe also “emphasized the importance of upholding international values such as respect of freedom and human rights,” including with the Uighurs, members of a mostly Muslim ethnic group whom China has been putting in indoctrination camps.
Beyond that posturing, the meeting between the two men is unlikely to do much other than offer a pause in the trade conflict between China and the United States. Mr. Trump played down the importance of securing a trade deal with China this week and threatened to impose new tariffs, suggesting there is little chance of a resolution soon to the trade war, which has bruised both nations’ economies.
The Trump administration recently blacklisted several Chinese entities, restricting their access to American technology. Most prominently, the United States banned the sale of American technology to the Chinese telecommunications giant Huawei, and American officials have tried to convince allies in Europe that the company is a security threat.
Chinese and Western analysts expect Mr. Xi to try to maneuver past any rough talk by Mr. Trump on trade, seeking to avoid provocation and, ultimately, to string out trade negotiations until the 2020 presidential elections in the United States have been completed.
Reporting was contributed by Michael Crowley, Peter Baker, Keith Bradsher and Motoko Rich from Osaka, Japan, and by Jane Perlez from Beijing.Reporting was contributed by Michael Crowley, Peter Baker, Keith Bradsher and Motoko Rich from Osaka, Japan, and by Jane Perlez from Beijing.