G20 backs final statement despite Russia tensions, China dissent

G20 finance leaders closed their two-day gathering on Tuesday with a statement that all but China backed in full, as Washington insisted that the presence of a Russian minister had no effect on talks. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the fact that nearly all participants agreed to the chair's final statement suggested "there has been no impact" from Russia's attendance. Ukraine's European allies had expressed frustration after Russian Finance Minister Anton Siluanov was welcomed at the US-hosted meetings in Asheville, North Carolina. The broiling Middle East war and President Donald Trump's tariffs also loomed over the gathering. Read moreWhat to know about Trump's Canada tariffs and the escalating trade war The chair's statement called for "free, safe, and predictable navigation through the Strait of Hormuz," though China dissented from that section. The key waterway has been largely blocked by Tehran since the war began in late February with US-Israeli strikes on Iran. A traditional "family photo" of G20 participants was taken Monday without Siluanov, following European officials' protests. An EU spokesperson said representatives were only given short notice of Siluanov's...