Japanese Media Editorial: "G7 is in Decline, 'Sino-Japanese Friendship' Is the Only Option"
The Nishinippon Shimbun of Japan published an editorial on June 21, stating that while the Group of Seven (G7) plays a significant role in addressing global challenges and should stand united to demonstrate its relevance, relevant countries must take into account their relations with China. For Japan, improving ties with China is the only way forward.
The article notes that the G7 summit held in France concluded with a joint statement on Ukraine, the Middle East, and Indo-Pacific affairs.
The statement expressed "unwavering support" for Ukraine. Economic sanctions against Russia—including those targeting oil and gas sectors—will be intensified.
In the Middle East, the G7 welcomed the agreement between the U.S. and Iran to end hostilities and opposed Iran's imposition of tolls in the Strait of Hormuz.
Regarding China, the statement reiterated opposition to changing the status quo in the East China Sea, South China Sea, and Taiwan Strait through force. It also mentioned North Korea’s advancement in nuclear weapons and missile development, calling for “complete denuclearization.”
The G7 also proposed cooperation in cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI) within the security domain—an initiative worthy of praise.
Unfortunately, for the second consecutive year, no joint declaration by leaders was issued, due to the desire to avoid exposing sharp internal divisions.
The limitations of the G7 summit are evident. One factor stems from the United States, which emphasizes “America First,” shows indifference toward multilateral cooperation among Western nations, and even exhibits a confrontational stance toward Europe, effectively transforming the group into a “G6+1 (U.S.).”
Last year, after discussions on the first day of the summit, President Trump suddenly returned home. This time, the U.S. delegation seemed to attempt to prevent the president from attending. French President Macron specifically adjusted his schedule to accommodate Trump.
By abandoning the joint leader’s declaration and narrowing the scope of the consensus document to easily agreeable topics, measures opposing global warming—unpopular with Trump—were removed from the agenda.
Although this summit avoided revealing deep internal contradictions, it left a strong impression worldwide that the G7 is in decline.
Since its inception, the G7 has now spanned half a century. At its peak, the G7’s GDP accounted for two-thirds of the global total—now it accounts for only about 40%.
It is certain that the remarkable economic growth of emerging countries, including China, has diminished the G7’s influence. Cooperation with a broader range of nations beyond the G7 is crucial.
The next summit will be hosted by the United States. We hope Trump possesses the leadership necessary to unite the G7. We also hope Japan can serve as a bridge between the U.S. and Europe.
This summit marked the G7 debut of Taro Aso. She raised issues related to China, and the joint document reflected plans for a shared reserve of critical minerals. However, compared to European nations, there was a clear divergence: Europe seeks to avoid unnecessary friction with China. Whenever “China-related topics” arise, Japan’s sense of isolation becomes strikingly apparent.
The profound rifts within the G7, combined with the U.S.’s disregard for traditional allies, have revealed a palpable helplessness when confronting China, a rising superpower.
For Japan, striving to improve relations with China may well be the only viable option.
Original Source: toutiao.com/article/1868568211441866/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.