As G-20 summit opens, contentious issues loom on the sidelines

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina—Heads of state from the world’s leading economies were invited to the Group of 20 summit to discuss issues like development, infrastructure and investment. As the gathering officially kicks off Friday, those themes seem like afterthoughts, overshadowed by contentious matters from the U.S.China trade dispute to the conflict over Ukraine.

Also expected to loom large amid dozens of bilateral meetings in Argentina’s capital: the tensions between longtime allies the United States and Europe, the gruesome slaying of a dissident Saudi journalist in the country’s Istanbul consulate and how the Saudi crown prince who is alleged to have ordered the killing is received by world leaders.

The United States, Canada and Mexico also are supposed to sign a trade deal replacing the North American Free Trade Agreement that was struck following months of tough negotiations that analysts say left a bitter taste among the partners.

“The G-20 Leaders’ Summit is at risk of falling into disarray with the summit being overshadowed by items not on agenda,” said Thomas Bernes of the Centre for International Governance Innovation, a Canadabased think tank. “The true test will be whether the other members of the G-20 will act resolutely or whether we will witness the crumbling of the G-20 as a forum for international economic cooperation.”

French President Emmanuel Macron, one of the earliest arrivals, called on Thursday for international involvement and “complete clarity” in investigations into the killing of Saudi columnist Jamal Khashoggi, and he said European leaders should discuss it at a meeting Friday.