Leaders defy Trump

STRONG MESSAGE: 'WE DON'T NEED AMERICA TO DICTATE OUR ACTIONS'

- Eric Mthobeli Naki

USING THEIR HEADS. Oxfam members protest in Soweto on Saturday, demanding higher taxes on the superrich. The action coincided with the G20 leaders gathering in Johannesburg on the weekend.

(EPA)

20 member states have sent a clear and unequivocal message to the US: we do not need you to dictate our actions.

The decision to develop and adopt a G20 leaders' declaration that emphasises solidarity, equality and sustainability worldwide stands in stark contrast to the US approach to these issues and represents the first sign of a growing international consensus that the world can function without the US.

But the G20 decision couldn't be the most appealing cup of tea US President Donald Trump would have liked to sip so early on a Saturday morning.

The 30-page G20 leaders' declaration contradicts everything he stands for.

It states the G20’s commitment to act in accordance with international law and to respect the UN Charter, including the peaceful settlement of disputes.