The Group of Seven (G7) represents the Western World’s largest and most advanced economies. The group consists of Germany, the United States (USA), France, the United Kingdom, Italy, Japan and Canada, and also participates in the European Union (EU) G7 meetings. Known as the G8, the forum was expanded for a time with the participation of Russia and was scheduled to meet in Shochi in 2014, hosted by Russia. However, due to Russia’s violation of Ukraine’s sovereignty, the meeting did not take place and a return was made to the G7. The G7 operates as an informal forum in priority areas such as the global economy, member states’ foreign and security policy, development and climate.[1]
The G7 countries met at different levels at different times and finally came together at the level of Foreign Ministers on April 18, 2023. At the meeting, “promoting peace and security” and “global challenges” were discussed. Among the topics discussed at the meeting are Russia’s aggressive stance towards Ukraine, cooperation for peace and stability in Indo-Pacific, China, North Korea, Myanmar, Afghanistan, Iran, Middle East and North Africa, joint work with Central Asian countries, the G7 African Partnership and cooperation with its Latin American and Caribbean partners.
The second agenda item addresses topics such as a free and open international order, global governance, building and maintaining peace, disarmament and preventing the proliferation of weapons, economic resilience and security, development finance and infrastructure, space and cybersecurity, combatting foreign interference – including disinformation, energy security, climate change and environmental degradation, food security, nutrition and humanitarian assistance, global health, gender equality, and disaster risk reduction.[2]
The joint statement released after the meeting emphasized that the parties will act together in the face of threats to the global system. They also reaffirmed their commitment to working collectively to tackle global challenges such as climate change, food and energy security, and to support a free and open international order based on the rule of law and in accordance with the United Nations (UN) Charter. Additionally, they stated their intention to collaborate in support of transparent societies that uphold human rights and justice and meet the needs of vulnerable individuals.[3]
The scope of the statement demonstrates a clear and united stance by G7 countries against the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The group, including Germany, has demanded Russia’s unconditional withdrawal. They have also expressed their determination to continue sanctions against Moscow, provide support to Kyiv, and take a united stance on potential support for Russia.
The G7 countries acknowledge the need for cooperation with China, but insist that China must be transparent, fair, and refrain from restrictive practices that limit competition. They also warn against the use of threats and pressure tactics. The statement also notes that China’s claims in the South China Sea have no legal basis and they oppose China’s militarization of the region. Additionally, they support Taiwan’s participation in organizations like the World Health Organization, despite not being recognized as a state, and call for peaceful resolution of issues in the region.
In a statement, while North Korea’s nuclear activities are condemned, the coup in Myanmar is also criticized. Concerns about security, human rights, and the political situation are also expressed. The deteriorating economic situation, increased security threats, and pressure on freedoms in Afghanistan are emphasized. Regarding Iran, the statement demands that nuclear weapons not be developed and that drones not be transferred to different states and non-state actors in a way that would destabilize the region.
The G7 countries have renewed their commitment to cooperation in tackling regional threats by expressing their satisfaction with the normalization processes in the Middle East and North Africa and supporting the sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of Central Asia. They have also demonstrated their willingness to solve regional issues and cooperate with African and Latin American countries. Under the second heading, efforts are being made to identify solutions to issues within this scope using the world system, liberal values, the UN, and other tools.
This statement is an indicator that there has been no change in the Western world. The statement notes that the West continues to approach regional and global issues based on its own values and presents various perspectives. It is evident in Germany’s stance on the Russia-Ukraine war that it is under the influence of the US. However, there is a change in attitude towards China as stated. NATO’s statements emphasize the need for cooperation with China, which is defined as a threat and rival. Nevertheless, considering that it is related to the interests of the G7 countries and that the G7 is already an economy-based union, it can be said that this situation is natural.
In conclusion, China remains an important country for cheap production for Western economies. However, the G7 is proposing certain conditions to develop cooperation with China. It does not seem very likely that Beijing will accept these conditions. On the other hand, the increasing tension between the West and China is bringing China closer to Russia. Therefore, it can be suggested that the West, through the G7, is trying to prevent Russia from getting closer to China by sending political and economic messages to China.
[1] “Group of Seven (G7)”, Federal Ministry of Finance, https://www.bundesfinanzministerium.de/Content/EN/Standardartikel/Topics/world/G7-G20/Group-G7-G8.html#:~:text=The%20G7%20consists%20of%20Canada,they%20meet%20for%20annual%20summits., (Date of Accession: 29.04.2023).
[2] “Foreign Ministers’ Meeting Communiqué – G7 Japan 2023”, Government of Canada, https://www.international.gc.ca/news-nouvelles/2023/2023-04-18-g7-foreign-ministers-ministres-affaires-etrangeres-g7-communique.aspx?lang=eng, (Date of Accession: 29.04.2023).
[3] Ibid.
