G20 finance leaders back final statement despite Russia tensions and China dissent

G20 finance leaders wrapped up two days of talks in Asheville, North Carolina, on Tuesday with broad backing for a final statement, despite tensions over Russia's participation and divisions with China. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Moscow's presence had not disrupted discussions, as ministers also grappled with the war in the Middle East, tariffs, global trade imbalances and continued support for Ukraine. The chair's statement called for free navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, but China dissented from that section. European officials expressed discomfort over Russian Finance Minister Anton Siluanov's attendance, with some saying it was not time to normalize Russia's presence. Germany also blamed Russia for an attempted hybrid attack involving a drone at a German airport. The G20 talks set the stage for a leaders' summit in Miami in December.