G7 meeting: A Clear Message to China and Russia

In an unusual way, the foreign ministers of G7 countries expressed themselves very clearly to the politics of China and Russia. Beijing must end aggressive claims in the Chinese South Sea.

The round of foreign ministers of 7 strong economic democracies has urged China to respect international rules. “We remind China of the need to preserve the basic goals and principles of the United Nations Charter and give up threats, obligation, intimidation or use of violence”, the final declaration of the G7 foreign ministers' meeting in Karuizava, Japan, says.

Foreign ministers also criticised Chinese politics in the Chinese South Sea. There is no legal basis for China's maritime expedition claims in the South Sea and we reject China's militarism activities in the region”, the document says.

Ukraine will be supported “as time is necessary”

With determination, the round of G7 foreign ministers also addressed Russia. G7 countries are ready for further tightening of sanctions against Russia because of the war in Ukraine. “We are even further determined to intensify sanctions against Russia.” These countries also envision a better “co-ordination to prevent Russia's weapons supply from third countries.” Measures will be taken against those who support Russia materially, the statement said. Again, G7 countries called for the unconditional withdrawal of Russia from the neighbouring country without delay. We will support Ukraine as long as necessary in the defence fight against the aggressor.

Any solution to the conflict should ensure that Russia is responsible for the damage done. There will be no amnesty for war crimes such as attacks on civilians and critical civilian infrastructure.

Russian “retoric”

The G7 States once again stressed their commitment to a world without atomic weapons and expressed concern about Russia's readiness to conduct atomic tests and was sentenced to giving up the “New Agreement Start”. This agreement limits US and Russian atomic arsenals.

The world's 7 most powerful economic democracies condemned Russia for the irresponsible nuclear rhetoric and threats to station atomic weapons in Belarus”. In the final statement it is warned that “any use of chemical, biological or nuclear weapons will have very serious consequences”. President Putin had announced last month that he would station strategic atomic weapons in Belarus.

Concern over Chinese atomic arsenal

With concern, G7 countries have also expressed the ongoing and rapid expansion of Chinese atomic arsenal and the development of increasingly sophisticated storage systems”. From China it is required that “be late to hold talks with the US on reducing strategic risks and promoting stability through greater transparency of politics, Chinese atomic weapons plans and capabilities. ”

But despite criticism, G7 countries want to co-operate with China on global challenges such as confronting climate change. The statement says that “is willing to build constructive and stabilised relations and support global economic momentum and exchange among people in a lucrative way for both sides”.

Japanese Foreign Minister Yoshimas Hayashi expressed satisfaction with the results of the meeting, which served as a preparation meeting for the G7 heads and governments summit in Hiroshima, attended by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in May. /dw