G7 tensions on show in image of leaders

A picture of US President Donald Trump and German Chancellor Angela Merkel displaying lessthan-friendly body language has turned out to be a defining image of the contentious meeting of the G7 leaders of the world’s advanced economies.

The photo was tweeted by Merkel spokesman Steffen Seibert.

Shortly afterwards, the White House issued a separate photo showing a sitting Mr Trump speaking as Mrs Merkel, Mr Abe and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau listen.

Another image of the same gathering however suggests a more relaxed interaction, with Mrs Merkel smiling and Mr Trump making eye contact.

Mrs Merkel makes no secret of her disagreement with the American leader’s approach on trade and climate change.