Relations with China and the war in Ukraine dominated the three-day G7 summit in Hiroshima, Japan, to which Ukrainian President Volodomyr Zelenskyj surprisingly traveled until Sunday.
The group of seven leading democratic industrialized nations (G7) is showing determination in its dealings with Russia and China. Under US leadership, Ukraine is being massively upgraded in the fight against the Russian invading army – right down to the delivery of modern Western fighter jets. Despite their economic dependence on the world’s second-largest economy, the G7 states want a tougher response to China’s global pursuit of power. An overview of the most important news.
Biden promises new military aid
At the end of the meeting, US President Joe Biden promised his Ukrainian counterpart new military aid of about $375 million (about 346 million Swiss francs). The pack contains ammunition, artillery and armored vehicles. The total value of US military aid since the start of the war on February 24, 2022 is now over $30 billion.
During the summit, Biden paved the way for US-built F-16 jets to be delivered to Ukraine as part of a coalition of several allies. The project is supported by Great Britain, France, Belgium, Denmark and Portugal. Ukrainian pilots must first be trained. It will be determined later when and how many aircraft will be delivered and who will make them available.
Biden said at his closing press conference that he had a “general commitment from Zelenskyy” not to use the F-16 to advance “into Russian geographic territory.”
Macron hopes for more understanding for Ukraine
French President Emmanuel Macron hopes that Zelenskyj’s trip to the G7 summit will give countries such as India and Brazil a better understanding of Ukraine’s position. Both have not clearly sided with Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva were guests in Hiroshima.
Common position towards China
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak issued an urgent warning about China’s politics: “China is the greatest challenge of our time to global security and global prosperity.” Beijing’s leadership is becoming increasingly authoritarian at home and abroad.
In a summit statement, the G7 states formulated a common position towards China. The group aims to reduce its economic dependence on Beijing and mitigate risks in its supply chains. The G7 also rejected China’s claims for power in the East and South China Seas and warned of military action against democratic Taiwan.
China and Russia are angry
Both Russia and China have firmly rejected the decisions of the G7 countries. “Look at the decisions being discussed and taken today at the G7 summit in Hiroshima, which aim to double the containment of Russia and China,” Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said in Moscow on Saturday.
China accused the G7 countries of defamation and “interference in internal affairs”. In a sharp response, a foreign ministry spokesperson in Beijing said the G7 was “suppressing the development of other countries”.
Soource :Watson
I am Amelia James, a passionate journalist with a deep-rooted interest in current affairs. I have more than five years of experience in the media industry, working both as an author and editor for 24 Instant News. My main focus lies in international news, particularly regional conflicts and political issues around the world.
