Amid growing concerns due to escalating tensions over trade, Group of 20 finance ministers ended their two-day meeting in Fukuoka with a shared message: Trade friction is a downside risk for the global economy.

While the G20 didn't fully revert to its traditionally tough stance on protectionism, Japan, as the chair country, has done its part to balance various countries' conflicting interests, including over trade and digital tax issues, two experts interviewed by The Japan Times said.

The communique issued after the two-day meeting in the city of Fukuoka stated that the world economy will likely gain momentum "moderately" later this year — but that risks linger.