NEGATIVE
Sentiment Analysis:
The content reports that a key US Treasury official is skipping the G20 meeting hosted by South Africa in favor of Japan, implying diminished international priority or snub to South Africa's role as host.
US Treasury's Bessent to skip South Africa G20 meeting, heading to Japan
Executive Summary
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent will skip the Group of 20 finance officials meeting in South Africa next week, marking the second such absence this year, to instead attend the US national day at the World Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan. Acting Undersecretary Michael Kaplan will represent the US at the July 17-18 gathering near Durban, amid heightened tensions with South Africa following President Trump's tariff threats and past diplomatic snubs. The move highlights ongoing US-South Africa frictions, including 30% tariffs on South African imports unless trade barriers are lowered, as the US prepares to lead the G20 next year.