China and Russia, two countries not invited to the Group of Seven (G7) leaders’ summit in Hiroshima, will cast the longest shadows over the three-day event, which begins on Friday. The heads of seven of the world’s most advanced democracies will aim to display unity against challenges from Beijing and Moscow. However, divisions within the G7 are most notable over China, with countries struggling to warn against the perceived threat to global supply chains and economic security posed by China, without alienating a powerful and important trade partner.
The leaders will also discuss China’s use of “economic coercion” in its dealings abroad, as part of their larger joint statement. There will be several other declarations, including on Ukraine, economic resilience and security, and food security. The G7 is also seeking to draw closer to members of the “Global South” to counter China’s role on the global stage.
The leaders plan to tighten sanctions on Russia, with measures aimed at energy and exports that would aid Moscow’s war effort. The new moves will target sanctions evasion involving third countries and seek to undermine Russia’s future energy production while curbing trade that supports Russia’s military.
Host Japan aims to send a message about the importance of the international rules-based order, as Tokyo worries that Russia’s actions against Ukraine could embolden China’s actions against Taiwan.
