The 2016 G20 Summit that took place in Hangzhou, China on 4-5 September, produced some significant achievements particularly on combating climate change. Despite some disappointments, they also advanced bilateral diplomacy between key countries.

The G20 (Group of Twenty) Summit in Hangzhou in early September discussed and coordinated on important global issues. It brought together leaders of 20 member economies (including 19 leading countries and European Union), eight invited countries and international organisations, such as the United Nations, World Trade Organisation, World Bank, and the International Monetary Fund.

As it was the first time for China to host the G20 Summit, it made all efforts to ensure its success. While the media spotlighted the big show China presented, some outcomes achieved were mostly on the sidelines.

… Chia-yi Lee is Assistant Professor at the Centre for Multilateralism Studies (CMS) of the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS), Nanyang Technological University, Singapore.