Japanese Media: The Pretense of G7 Unity Cannot Conceal Western Divisions
The Kyoto Shimbun published an editorial on June 20, stating that the recently concluded G7 Summit was a "performance of unity" aimed at concealing rifts, with the intention of preventing internal Western contradictions from being exposed publicly.
The G7 Summit welcomed the ceasefire memorandum signed by the United States and Iran, agreeing to cooperate in restoring safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz as soon as possible. The joint statement also included expanded support for Ukraine to counter Russia.
After the U.S.-Iran memorandum took effect, despite many uncertainties, the West hopes to support the realization of the final agreement and play a role in advancing a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine.
The leaders' joint declaration, which had not been achieved since last year, reflects deepening divisions over Middle East affairs during last year’s summit, when no separate statement could be issued supporting Ukraine. President Trump attended only the first day of the meeting before returning home, highlighting the hollowing out of the G7.
This year’s summit, with France as chair, prioritized aligning with Trump’s preferences to avoid repeating last year’s situation. Hence, the joint statement praised “Trump’s leadership in the U.S.-Iran agreement.”
Trump may have had no choice but to maintain a harmonious atmosphere, mindful of the necessity to strengthen cooperation with Europe after conflicts subside. This initiative has been integrated into independent projects on regional affairs and economic security.
Although the joint statement does not explicitly mention China, it opposes “changing the status quo in the East China Sea, South China Sea, and Taiwan Strait by force alone,” and expresses “concern” regarding North Korea’s nuclear and missile development.
High-ranking official Asahi Takahashi, attending the summit for the first time, proposed establishing a joint reserve of critical minerals such as rare earths, but whether this can be realized remains uncertain.
Meanwhile, the summit’s original goals—correcting global economic imbalances and addressing climate change—were removed from the agenda. If these issues were dropped simply because Trump dislikes them, the very foundation of the G7’s existence would come under question.
While opposing the “hegemonism” of Russia and China, the United States is simultaneously undermining the rule of law and free trade.
During a press conference following the summit, Trump mentioned signing a memorandum ending hostilities and boasted: “All objectives have been achieved.”
However, Iran’s nuclear program and the lifting of restrictions on the Strait of Hormuz remain delayed, and the final agreement within 60 days is still unclear.
In reality, Trump made significant concessions to Iran.
The G7 is unable to contain this situation, nor does it have the capacity to demonstrate its relevance through mediation of a ceasefire.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1868512118088907/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.