China presses US on 'equal consultation' after G20 talks stall

G20 Finance Talks End Without Consensus

China's Foreign Ministry on Wednesday pressed the United States to embrace "equal consultation" after Group of 20 finance chiefs concluded their meeting in Asheville without a joint communiqué, marking a rare failure to build consensus under Washington's rotating presidency. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun told reporters in Beijing that Beijing had engaged constructively throughout the US presidency of the bloc since Washington assumed the chair for 2026.

"China had actively and constructively participated in discussions across all G20 tracks since the US assumed the group’s rotating presidency for 2026, working to promote practical outcomes," Guo said, according to state-run Global Times. He emphasized that the forum must operate on principles of fairness, noting that the G20 should coordinate global economic policy through inclusive dialogue.

Beijing Objects to 'Non-Market' Language

The US Treasury confirmed that Chinese delegates objected to several provisions in the chair's draft statement issued Tuesday, particularly language targeting economic imbalances. While the document asserted that the global economy "has remained resilient in the face of multiple shocks, including ongoing wars and conflicts," it also stated that members agreed to eliminate "non-market policies and practices that exacerbate imbalances." Beijing reportedly challenged the terms "imbalances" and "non-market policies," according to the Financial Times.

Guo said the grouping must respect all parties' legitimate concerns. "The G20, as a primary platform for international economic cooperation, should conduct coordination on major global economic issues in an objective, fair and balanced manner, based on consultations and equal participation," he stated. US President Donald Trump characterized the two-day gathering differently, telling reporters that officials held "very productive and positive conversations."

Russian Minister Attends After Two-Year Absence

The Asheville sessions also marked the return of Russian Finance Minister Anton Siluanov, who attended in person for the first time since Moscow launched its military operation against Ukraine in 2022. The G20 Leaders' Summit is scheduled to convene in Miami in November under the US presidency.