President Cyril Ramaphosa also called for increased funding to help developing countries combat climate change. The US has now skipped two G20 meetings in a row.

Finance ministers and central bank chiefs from the Group of 20 developed and developing nations have gathered in South Africa for a two-day meeting.

South Africa's G20 presidency this year will prioritise efforts to help developing countries finance their shift to a low-carbon economy, President Cyril Ramaphosa said, even as the United States radically scales back its support.