The G7 statement, the pressure on China and Russia is increasing

2023-05-20 21:39:00, Kosova & Bota CNA

The Group of Seven most industrialized nations raised concerns about China's growing military and economic security threat and called on Beijing to pressure Russia to halt its military aggression and withdraw its troops from Ukraine.

In a statement at the G7 summit in Hiroshima, Japan, the group of 7 richest countries criticized China's use of "economic pressure", increased military presence in the South China Sea, and " its intrusive actions" that aim to undermine the security of diplomats, the integrity of democratic institutions and economic development.

Even in the statement, the G7 countries pledged "to support Ukraine for as long as it will be necessary, as it faces the illegal aggression from Russia."

The group, which is made up of the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, France, Italy, Japan and the European Union, said it was not intended to harm China or hinder its economic development, while calling on Beijing to engage with G7 on climate, debt restructuring of developing countries, global health and macroeconomic stability.

Economic pressure

Earlier on Saturday, G-7 leaders unveiled the "Coordinating Platform on Economic Stress," a new framework to counter the use of punitive trade practices for political purposes. This framework is perceived to oppose China, although it is not mentioned by name.

In a statement, the G7 countries said the new framework would add "research, preparedness, prevention and response" measures to "explore coordinated responses, where appropriate, and counter pressure." economic", in accordance with the legal framework of the member countries.

"These economic security measures include steps to rebuild stability in our supply chains. They will also include steps to protect export controls and measures for foreign investment," said White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan. during a briefing on Saturday in Hiroshima .

From Beijing, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin reacted on Friday about the planned measures.

"If the G-7 meeting wants to discuss the issue of economic pressure, it better first discuss how the United States exerts pressure on the other six member countries ," he said./VOA