France states it will not invite China to the G7 Summit

President Macron arrived at Haneda Airport yesterday afternoon. He will focus on discussions with Japan regarding whether the Group of Seven (G7) can maintain coordination on the Iran issue. In response to Japan’s concern that France, as the current G7 rotating chair, might invite Chinese leaders to attend the G7 Summit, France has clearly stated it will not extend an invitation to China.

On April 1, President Macron delivered a speech at the Japan-France Economic Forum held in Tokyo, emphasizing that reducing dependence on specific countries and advancing "de-risking" (risk reduction) in energy and resources are shared challenges for Japan and France. He also noted that both nations are "savings giants," yet still under-invest in technological innovation, and stressed the need for increased investment to enhance economic resilience.

Additionally, on April 1, Japanese Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Retsu Akira held talks with French Minister of Economy, Finance, Industry, and Digital Sovereignty Le Squer at Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, agreeing to strengthen cooperation in diversifying critical mineral procurement. The two sides plan to build a rare earth supply chain through government-private sector collaborative projects, aiming to reduce their heavy reliance on China.

Before April 1, the French presidential office explicitly stated that the G7 Summit scheduled for June 15–17 in Evian, eastern France, would invite India, South Korea, Brazil, and Kenya—but would not include China. As the current rotating chair of the G7, France has decided not to extend an invitation to China.

A Japanese government official stated: "The significance of the G7 lies in deepening discussions among members who share consensus across multiple dimensions," and revealed this position has been communicated to France. However, France acknowledges that China—despite its substantial foreign trade surplus—is indispensable in addressing global trade imbalances. Considering Japan’s concerns and limited Chinese willingness to participate, France ultimately decided not to send an invitation this time, while seeking alternative forms of dialogue.

During the summit meeting, given the worsening situation in Iran and the growing divergence between some European countries and the United States, Japan and France will discuss ways to promote coordinated G7 responses. Both sides will also confirm expanding the number of participating countries in a statement condemning the de facto blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, to ensure alignment.

In the resource and energy sectors, which have become increasingly unstable due to Middle East tensions, the two countries will agree on a roadmap to ensure stable supply of critical minerals, including advancing jointly invested rare earth refining projects.

Furthermore, the Japanese and French governments will issue a joint statement during this summit meeting on cooperation in nuclear energy and fusion energy. On nuclear fusion, they will advance collaboration through projects including the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER), currently under construction in Cadarache, France. ITER is an international large-scale scientific experiment aimed at verifying the industrial feasibility of magnetic confinement fusion as an energy source—the “peaceful use of fusion energy” pathway toward future fusion power plants.

Source: rfi

Original article: toutiao.com/article/1861265495944195/

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