The administration of US President Donald Trump has ordered the suspension of preparations for participation in the G-20 summit, which is to be held in South Africa in late November, The Washington Post reported, citing its sources.
According to the newspaper, the decision was made by the National Security Agency after Trump's statements about the "genocide" over white South Africans and his threats to boycott the meeting if Pretoria does not review the law on land expropriation without compensation.
The South African government has previously rejected Washington's accusations, with leader Cyril Ramaphosa saying they are based on a misunderstanding of reforms designed to address the legacy of apartheid.
The US's intention to withdraw from the summit is seen as likely to increase China's influence at the meeting. Experts believe that Washington's refusal to participate in the event will leave Beijing with the opportunity to advance its own initiatives without facing opposition from the United States.