Though the G20 Osaka summit began in an environment of great uncertainty, the strides made during the global summit reinforced key dynamics for promoting cooperation among heterogenous countries. By centering the voices of developing economies, focusing on infrastructure development, expanding sustainable development goals, and promoting reform to the World Trade Organization, the summit has signaled support for future globalization based on mutual cooperation and multilateralism.

Though their G20 Osaka summit meeting made headlines for its positive signals, President Xi and President Trump still must address three key areas for policy coordination: mitigating the global impact of financial innovation, balancing their scientific and technological cooperation with their respective national security concerns, and addressing the trend towards weaponizing trade and international finance.

China, Russia, and the United States are in an interlocking trilateral dispute over whether to extend bilateral strategic nuclear arms control treaties between Moscow and Washington to China as well.

China, Russia, and the United States are in an interlocking trilateral dispute over whether to extend bilateral strategic nuclear arms control treaties between Moscow and Washington to China as well.

Despite reports that trade negotiations between China and the US have resumed, a seriously destabilizing trade war still simmers.

Despite reports that trade negotiations between China and the US have resumed, a seriously destabilizing trade war still simmers.

At their Osaka meeting, Trump and Xi agreed to restart trade talks and work to improve US-China ties. Trump also stated he would add no additional tariffs to Chinese goods. The meeting demonstrates the continued importance of dispute management between the two economic powerhouses.

Multilateralism is currently facing its greatest downturn since the Great Depression, but the G20 may be best positioned to keep the liberal international order afloat. All eyes will be on President Trump and President Xi at the G20 Summit as the two leaders attempt to bring their escalating trade war to an end.

Xi and Trump’s productive G20 meeting shows a path forward to resume negotiations and resolve the trade war. However, deep divides remain: America’s hawkish moves and focus on competition may serve as major stumbling blocks for a new round of talks.

Trump and Xi are set to meet in Japan, but can they resolve their disputes?