G20 SUMMIT LIVE: Merkel plane HORROR – ‘serious malfunction’ sparks major investigation

The government is checking whether the malfunction suffered by the Airbus A340 had a “criminal background”, German newspaper Rheinische Post wrote citing security sources. However, investigators will look “in all directions” as they would typically do after any similar incidents, the sources added. Der Spiegel magazine said the plane’s entire communication system malfunctioned, which forced the crew to plan the landing using an on-board satellite phone. The plane made an unscheduled but safe landing at Cologne-Bonn airport late on Thursday. 

Mrs was on her way to Buenos Aires, where the G20 is kicking off today, with her finance minister, Olaf Scholz.

Despite the big scare, they resumed their trip earlier today, but they are set to miss the beginning of the talks.

The other leaders have already started their unofficial meetings.

The Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has met Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss a potential cooperation in security, the Saudi press agency said. 

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G20 live: Angela Merkel’s plane suffered a ‘serious malfunction’ on her way to the G20 summit (Image: REUTERS/EPA)

The Crown Prince is likely to be one of the main protagonists of the day, with many leaders, including Prime Minister , ready to bring up the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

Mrs May told reporters on her way to Argentina: “I am intending to speak with the crown prince of Saudi Arabia. The message that I give will be very clear on this issue of Jamal Khashoggi.

“We want to see a full and transparent investigation in relation to what happened and obviously those responsible being held to account.”

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9.30pm update: Theresa May to raise issue of the campaign in Yemen to Saudi Crown Prince 

The Prime Minister declared her intention to speak about the Saudi-led military campaign in Yemen to Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman during the G20. 

His father Prince Mohammed launched the campaign in 2015. 

But now Western nations are calling for an end to the war, as it has sparked a humanitarian crisis that is worsening by the day. 

Mrs May told reporters ahead of the meeting: “On the issue of Yemen, we continue to be deeply concerned about the humanitarian situation.

“The long-term solution for the Yemen is a political situation and we will be encouraging all parties actually to look for that and work for that.” 

Theresa May

G20: Theresa May arrived yesterday night in Buenos Aires for the summit (Image: GETTY)

9am update: Markets’ anxiety over China-US meeting at G20 summit 

Financial and commodities markets are closely watching the summit and are particularly anxious to know the outcome of the meeting between Donald Trump and China’s leader Xi Jinping. 

The state-run China Daily newspaper said in an editorial on Friday that an agreement can be reached in Argentina as both sides want a deal.

However, Washington must be “fair-minded” if it wants to defuse spiralling tensions, the newspaper added. 

The meeting will be attended also by Peter Navarro, a trade adviser to Mr Trump who advocates a tough stance, according to Reuters.

A US official said Mr Navarro’s participation was meant to send a message to China about the administration’s resolve. 

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G20 live: US president Donald Trump and his wife Melania arriving in Buenos Aires (Image: GETTY)

8.40am update: No suspicion of criminal activity over Angela Merkel’s plane’s malfunction

The German Air Force said that there was no suspicion of criminal activity regarding the “serious malfunction” suffered by the government’s plane which was carrying yesterday night Mrs Merkel to the G20 in Buenos Aires. 

The latest news contradicts reports from German daily Rheinische Post, which cited security sources saying the government was looking whether the malfunction had a “criminal background”. 

A spokesman for the German Air Force said there was no suspicion of any crime, adding: “It’s a standard check of the radio equipment that failed.”

8.20am update: wants to meet ‘halfway’ on trade with the US 

China’s Foreign Ministry said it hoped the United States could show sincerity and meet the country halfway on trade. 

Beijing and Washington’s leaders are set to meet during the weekend to hold talks that could be key to resolving the trade war they have been involved with since March. 

US President sent mixed signals on Thursday about the prospects for a trade deal with China, saying an agreement was close but he was not sure he wanted one. 

G20 summit live: The flight path of the Airbus A340 government aircraft carrying Chancellor Angela Merkel

G20 live: The flight path of the Airbus A340 government aircraft carrying Angela Merkel (Image: REUTERS)

8am update: Angela Merkel praises ‘superior response’ of captain for safe emergency landing 

The German Chancellor spoke to Defence Minister Ursula von der Leyen (CDU) following her plane’s safe landing. 

Mrs Merkel described the pilot as the “most experienced flight captain of aviation”. 

She added he spoke of an unprecedented failure of the communications system which was not thought possible. 

Mrs Merkel said the plane landed safely only thanks to the superior response of the captain.