G7 to back Ukraine indefinitely, seeks stability with China

THE Group of Seven nations vowed to support Ukraine for “as long as it takes” in its fight against Russian forces, while also calling for greater engagement with China to stabilise relations with the world’s second-biggest economy. 

In a communique released on Tuesday (Apr 18) after top G7 diplomats met in Japan, the bloc condemned Russia’s war against Ukraine “in the strongest possible terms.” The nations reiterated support for Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskiy’s peace plan, while slamming Russia’s “irresponsible nuclear rhetoric.” 

“We recommit today to supporting Ukraine for as long as it takes and to providing sustained security, economic, and institutional support to help Ukraine defend itself, secure its free and democratic future, and deter future Russian aggression,” the statement said. 

The G7 ministers also said they recognised the importance of “engaging candidly” with China and the need to work together on common interests, while calling for a “peaceful resolution” of Taiwan-related issues. It also expressed concern about China’s growing nuclear arsenal and called for talks with the US on arms control.

The ministers added that there was “no change in the basic positions of the G7 members on Taiwan, including stated one-China policies” – pushing back on Beijing’s claims that the US in particular is seeking to change the status quo.

The language on China in the communique, notably softer than the heated rhetoric often heard in Washington, comes as the group seeks to project unity after key differences emerged following Emmanuel Macron’s recent trip to Beijing. The French leader said the European Union should avoid being dragged into a dispute with China by the US, remarks that helped advance Chinese President Xi Jinping’s goal of stoking divisions between American allies. 

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, who also attended the meetings in Japan, on Monday underscored that Germany wouldn’t compromise on its values when it comes to engaging with China. 

“I made clear in China: We want to cooperate, we want to be partners, but we are not naive,” she told reporters in Japan. 

During the meetings, which also included French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna, diplomats agreed on an approach that emphasised trying to cooperate with Beijing wherever possibly, while de-risking their economic reliance on China and sending clear signals that Chinese weapon deliveries to Russia – as well as military escalation with Taiwan – would be unacceptable, an official familiar with the matter said.

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But a spokesman for China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the G7 communique was “full of arrogance and prejudice” and intended to contain the country.

“Regardless of China’s solemn position and object facts, the G7 foreign ministers’ meeting has grossly interfered in China’s internal affairs, and maliciously smeared and discredited China,” spokesman Wang Wenbin said Tuesday at a regular news briefing in Beijing.

Wang added “China is committed providing a stable, fair, transparent and predictable investment and business environment for foreign investors,” and criticised certain G7 members for being “oblivious to the principles of market economy and fair competition.” BLOOMBERG