The recent Group of Seven (G7) summit held in Hiroshima witnessed a strong backlash from Moscow and Beijing. The summit, where leaders of major democracies pledged new measures against Russia and expressed concerns over China, drew criticism from both nations. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov accused the G7 of focusing on their “own greatness” with an agenda aimed at deterring Russia and China. China’s Foreign Ministry accused G7 leaders of hindering international peace and called for self-reflection and a change in course. The tensions surrounding Russia’s assault on Ukraine and the handling of China’s assertiveness were central to the discussions at the three-day gathering.
G7’s Position on China:
The G7 member countries presented their most detailed articulation of a shared position on China to date during the summit. While acknowledging the need for cooperation with the world’s second-largest economy, the G7 leaders also emphasized countering China’s malign practices and coercion. The joint communique issued at the summit highlighted the group’s determination to address economic security concerns and cautioned against the weaponization of trade. This unified stance on China signals a hardening of attitudes toward Beijing in several European capitals, despite differing views on the approach to relations with the economic powerhouse.
China’s Response:
Beijing swiftly responded to the G7’s position, urging the group not to become an accomplice in what it called American economic coercion. China criticized the unilateral sanctions, decoupling efforts, and disruption of industrial and supply chains imposed by the United States. The Chinese Foreign Ministry rejected the G7-dominated Western rules that seek to divide the world based on ideologies and values, asserting that the international community does not and will not accept such an approach.
G7’s Focus on Russia:
In addition to addressing concerns over China, the G7 leaders pledged new measures to curtail Russia’s ability to finance and fuel its war in Ukraine. They expressed their commitment to coordinate efforts on economic security, indirectly cautioning against Russia’s and China’s potential weaponization of trade. The G7’s actions follow Europe’s growing unease with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and its alleged war crimes. The leaders also emphasized the importance of ensuring economic security and countering economic coercion, without explicitly mentioning China.
China’s Efforts to Repair Ties:
As the G7 agreements were being reached, China made diplomatic efforts to repair its ties with Europe. Chinese special envoy Li Hui embarked on a European tour aimed at promoting peace talks, particularly concerning the war in Ukraine. Li’s visit to Ukraine presented China’s vision of a political settlement, calling for a ceasefire but not requiring the withdrawal of Russian troops as a precondition. European leaders and the presence of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the G7 summit can be seen as exerting pressure on China to support a solution that aligns with Ukraine’s interests.
The G7 summit in Hiroshima witnessed strong criticism from Moscow and Beijing regarding the group’s agenda targeting Russia and China. The G7’s unified position on China and their efforts to curtail Russia’s actions in Ukraine demonstrate a hardening of attitudes toward both nations. China’s diplomatic efforts to repair ties with Europe, coupled with its assertion of a peaceful role in resolving conflicts, indicate a strategic response to the growing concerns over its assertiveness. As tensions persist, the global community awaits further developments in the evolving dynamics between the G7 nations, Russia, and China.