G7 finance chiefs begin talks under strain of Trump tariffs [Video]

G7 finance leaders exchanged pleasantries before tough discussions Wednesday, seeking to restore stability in the face of economic turbulence from US President Donald Trump’s tariffs and strengthen support for Ukraine.

The gathering of finance ministers and central bank governors from the Group of Seven nations in Canada is seen as a test of cohesion among the advanced economies, as Trump’s trade policies threaten to drag down economic growth.

Once broadly aligned, the grouping — comprising Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the United States — could struggle for unity amid the upheaval caused by Trump’s trade wars.

The US president has spoken often of annexing its neighbor Canada, which holds the G7 presidency this year.

But the mood was cordial early Wednesday as leaders came together for a group photograph at a welcome ceremony against a mountainous backdrop in Banff, in the western province of Alberta.

US Treasury Secretary …