G-7 diplomats , the top diplomats from the Group of Seven wealthy democracies are vowing to take a tough stance on China’s increasing threats to Taiwan . And also on North Korea’s unchecked tests of long-range missiles. This is while building momentum on ways to boost support for Ukraine and punish Russia for its invasion.
As the envoys gather in this Japanese hot spring resort town for Day Two of talks meant to pave the way for action by G-7 leaders when they meet next month in Hiroshima, Russia’s war in Ukraine will consume much of the agenda on Monday.
Japanese Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi told his colleagues, according to a Japanese summary, that the world is at a “turning point” on the fighting in Ukraine and must firmly reject unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force, and Russia’s aggression against Ukraine and its threats of the use of nuclear weapons.
For the American delegation, the meeting comes at a crucial moment in the world’s response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and efforts to deal with China, two issues that G-7 ministers from Japan, the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Canada, Italy, and the European Union regard as potent challenges to the post-World War II rules-based international order.
A senior U.S. official traveling with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken told reporters that the goal of the Biden administration for the talks is to shore up support for Ukraine, including a major initiative on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure launched at last year’s G-7 gatherings in Germany.
The official said that ramping up punishment against Russia for the conflict, particularly through economic and financial sanctions that the G-7 first threatened in December 2021 before the invasion, would also be a priority.
Ukraine’s Counter Offensive
Ukraine faces an important moment in the coming weeks with Russia’s current offensive largely stalled and Ukraine is preparing a counter-offensive.
The U.S. official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss Blinken’s priorities at the closed-door meetings, said there would be discussion about ways to deepen support for Ukraine’s long-term defense and deterrence capabilities.
That might also improve Kyiv’s position for potential negotiations that could end the conflict on its terms.
The role of Japan — the only Asian member of the G-7 — as chairman of this year’s talks provides an opportunity to discuss coordinated action on China.
Leaders and foreign ministers of G-7 countries, most recently France and Germany, have recently concluded visits to China. And the diplomats in Karuizawa are expected to discuss their impressions of where the Chinese stand on numerous issues. This is including the war in Ukraine, North Korea, and Taiwan, which is a particular sore point in U.S.-Chinese relations.
Hayashi urged the diplomats, during their first formal meeting at a private working dinner on Sunday night. He urged to continue dialogue with China on the many global challenges where Beijing’s participation is seen as crucial. The diplomats are also looking to address China’s more aggressive recent stance in Northeast Asia, where it has threatened Taiwan, the self-governing democracy that Beijing claims as its own.
