G20 Summit Begins in Johannesburg Amid US Boycott

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese arrived in Johannesburg on Friday for the G20 Leaders Summit, the first such gathering on African soil, as South African authorities enforced stringent security measures amid planned protests. The summit, set for November 22 and 23 at the Nasrec Expo Centre, convenes leaders from the world's major economies to address global challenges under the theme of Solidarity, Equality, and Sustainability.

The event draws representatives from 42 countries and organizations, though several key absences have drawn attention. The United States will not send any delegation, a decision announced by President Donald Trump, who cited ongoing human rights concerns involving land expropriation and treatment of Afrikaners in South Africa. In a social media post, Trump called the hosting a "total disgrace" and stated no U.S. officials would attend while the issues persist. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa dismissed the boycott's impact, telling reporters it represents "their loss" and that decisions would advance regardless. China's Premier Li Qiang will represent the country in place of President Xi Jinping, while Russia, Mexico, and Argentina will...