Conflicts: Baerbock on the G7 round: “Our unity is not a distinction”

In view of Russia’s war in Ukraine and China’s increasing striving for power, the G7 group of economically strong democracies wants to advocate a global partnership of values. “No one in the world wants a new bloc confrontation,” said Federal Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock (Greens) on Monday on the sidelines of the G7 foreign ministers’ consultations in Karuizawa, Japan. “Our unity is not a demarcation. It is an offer for fair cooperation.” In the intensifying system rivalry, the G7 countries wanted to “advertise around the world for cooperation based on fair rules”.

In addition to Germany and Japan, the G7 also includes France, Italy, Canada, the USA and Great Britain. Japan currently holds the presidency. The consultations will take place in the popular central Japanese resort town of Karuizawa.

Baerbock: Don’t unilaterally change the status quo in Taiwan

The G7 meeting was “a signal of our unity and determination,” said Baerbock. But the signal is also being sent to partners in the Indo-Pacific, for example: “We’re not looking away, we’re standing by your side.” Regarding the conflict over Taiwan, she said: “There must be no unilateral change in the status quo in the Taiwan Strait, and certainly not a military one.”

G7 host and Japanese Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi warned against any attempt to change the international order by force. “We will reject any unilateral attempts to change the status quo through violence,” he said. In Southeast Asia, China is trying to expand its position of power, especially in the military sector.

China regards Taiwan as part of the People’s Republic and threatens to conquer it. In a recent interview after a visit to China, French President Emmanuel Macron called on Europe to take a more independent course on the Taiwan question and emphasized that one should keep a distance from both China and the USA.

G7 with solidarity against aggressiveness

The G7’s response to aggressive behavior will be more dialogue and solidarity, Baerbock said. If international law is attacked, they will “show a clear edge” and defend it “with everything we have”.

The G7 wanted to “make offers for cooperation on an equal footing instead of relying on the exploitation of raw materials and restrictive agreements,” said Baerbock. Many partners would experience “how China is increasingly replacing the existing general, binding international rules with its own rules”. The creation of artificial islands and China’s “non-observance of arbitration awards” are also examples “that endanger the international order in the Pacific”. It is therefore important “that especially in these times, across the regions, those countries that believe in an international rule-based order stand together,” said the Foreign Minister.

G7 foreign ministers reiterate support for Ukraine

According to the Japanese foreign ministry, the ministers reiterated their call for Russian President Vladimir Putin to withdraw his troops from Ukraine “immediately and unconditionally”. The sanctions imposed on Moscow will continue. The G7 states also want to prevent the sanctions against Russia from being undermined and the aggressor from receiving weapons from third countries, it was said.

Baerbock said Putin “must see that he can’t sit us out.” She added: “His bet that he can split Ukraine’s partnership if he continues his war long enough is not going to work out.” As in 2022, Russia is again using hunger as a weapon by threatening the safety of grain ships in the Black Sea. The G7 would “once again do everything possible to ensure that Putin does not achieve his goal of dividing the world.”

Other important G7 issues: Afghanistan and Iran

The G7 countries condemned the restrictions on the human rights of women and girls by the Taliban in Afghanistan. The Japanese foreign ministry said it was necessary to prevent Afghanistan from becoming a breeding ground for terrorism.

The foreign ministers also wanted to discuss the situation in Iran. It’s about the nuclear deal with the Islamic Republic, which has been on hold for years. The violent actions of the leadership in Tehran against demonstrators should also play a role.

Japan celebrates Blinken’s birthday with John Lennon’s favorite cake

Hayashi surprised his French colleague Catherine Colonna and Blinken with John Lennon’s favorite apple pie for her birthday on Sunday. Colonna had turned 67 on the first day of the G7 meeting, Blinken 61. At the end of the evening’s working lunch, the host ordered apple pie from a local hotel. According to Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, John Lennon of the Beatles also enjoyed eating this cake. The later murdered British musician, who was married to the Japanese artist Yoko Ono, was a frequent guest in the posh holiday resort of Karuizawa.