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Group of Seven Condemns Russia, Addresses China
The Group of Seven foreign ministers, including those from Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the United States, closed their meetings in Japan on Tuesday with a joint communique condemning Russia’s war in Ukraine and addressing the need to engage with China on global challenges. While noting the importance of working with China on issues such as climate change and global health security, the ministers also expressed concerns about China’s actions in the East and South China Seas and its stance toward Taiwan.
The ministers reaffirmed the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, calling for a peaceful resolution of cross-Strait issues. However, a spokesperson from the Chinese foreign ministry accused the G-7 of interfering with China’s internal affairs and maligning the country.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated that the G-7’s concerns regarding China resulted in “remarkable convergence.” Blinken also addressed the stalled US-China discussions, stating that clear intentions from China are necessary for the US to move forward.
G-7 Commits to Sanctions Against Russia
The G-7 ministers also committed to “intensifying sanctions against Russia” and warned against the use of nuclear or chemical weapons, as well as condemning Russia’s occupation of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant. They demanded Russia withdraw all forces and equipment from Ukraine immediately and unconditionally, and committed to supporting Ukraine for as long as needed.
The ministers reminded the world of the aggressor in the conflict with Ukraine and criticized Russia for blocking Ukraine’s grain exports, which are desperately needed in certain areas of the world.
G-7 Addresses Iran and Afghanistan
The G-7 ministers expressed concern about what they call Iran’s “continued destabilizing activities,” including Iran’s escalation of its nuclear program. They also called on Iran to fulfill its nuclear non-proliferation commitments.
The ministers also condemned the Taliban’s systematic abuses of human rights, including those of women and girls, and discrimination against ethnic and religious minorities in Afghanistan.
Some information for this report came from The Associated Press.
