JAPAN: The G7 leaders issued a statement denouncing Russia and cautioning against Beijing’s use of “economic coercion” against a number of nations after the Ukrainian president boarded a French government aircraft and flew to Hiroshima.
The Ukraine War is at the top of the agenda, and Zelensky’s unexpected attendance has given debates more weight and star power. Washington has announced plans to train Ukrainian pilots on F-16 fighter jets, which was welcomed by Zelensky as “historic”.
Zelensky’s visit to Japan was a “will he or won’t he” drama, with conflicting messages from Ukrainian officials and news organisations racing to confirm it. The final decision was taken hastily, despite the fact that the visit was discussed weeks before in conversations between Zelensky and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.
Even the precise moment of his arrival was kept a secret until Japanese TV stations abruptly broadcast live footage of him landing at Hiroshima Airport on a jet that his close ally, French President Emmanuel Macron, had lent to him.
Zelensky’s presence has brightened and overshadowed diplomatic negotiations since he arrived, brightening and overshadowing calm diplomatic negotiations. He was welcomed by British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.
The G7 leaders’ promise to “starve” Russia of resources for its war machine is still ambiguous, but it sends a clear message to Moscow that they mean business when world leaders appear to be standing shoulder to shoulder with Zelensky. They also aimed to send a message to China, an ally of Moscow.
They discussed nuclear non-proliferation, climate change, and their commitment to the Indo-Pacific region. They also called for a “free and open Indo-Pacific” to oppose China’s territorial claims in the South China Sea.
The leaders urged China to “play by international rules” and take action to reduce dependencies in their supply chains. They also pledged to maintain “constructive and stable relations” with China and not seek to harm it or obstruct its economic progress.
China expressed dissatisfaction with the G7’s joint statement, accusing it of manipulating China-related issues and attacking it. On Sunday, Kishida, Zelensky, and Biden will deliver closing remarks.
Also Read: Ukraine’s Zelenskiy to Attend G7 Summit, Focusing Sanctions on Russia
