G7 Summit to Convene Amid Unclear Relations with China

(CNA, Taipei, June 15) The three-day Group of Seven (G7) summit is set to open in Evian-les-Bains, France, with host French President Emmanuel Macron dedicating time for leaders to discuss challenges posed by China. Chinese state media claim the G7 itself is riddled with problems, sick, yet trying to make others take medicine.

According to Deutsche Welle, the G7 group, operating since 1975, has long followed an unwritten rule: only democratic nations may join. After the Cold War, Russia, which had briefly democratized, was once included in the industrialized group. However, due to democratic backsliding and the 2014 annexation of Ukraine's Crimean Peninsula, Russia was expelled from the organization. Today, despite China's remarkable economic achievements, its indicators in democracy, freedom, and transparency lag far behind those of G7 nations.

Yet, at G7 summits without China's participation, China frequently remains a central topic. At this year's summit from June 15 to 17, host President Macron has specifically scheduled time for leaders to discuss achieving 'rebalancing' in trade with China. An increasing number of Westerners worry that surging exports of advanced Chinese products, such as automobiles, could destroy the industrial foundations of Western industrialized nations.

Beijing has long described the G7 as a Cold War relic, criticizing its exclusivity. However, in a recent media response, China's Foreign Ministry adopted a notably cautious stance toward this G7 summit: 'The Western Seven Nations should act as a catalyst for unity and cooperation, not an amplifier for division and confrontation.'

China's hawkish media outlet Global Times published an editorial urging the G7 to 'wake up from its leader's illusion,' pointing out that G7 countries generally face numerous difficulties, including sluggish economic growth, high debt levels, declining industrial competitiveness, worsening social divisions, and increasing pressures from population aging. Treating the 'G7 illness' requires strong medicine.

The editorial argues that, at a time when both strength and cohesion are declining, the G7 not only fails to reflect on itself but instead attempts to make others take medicine. (Editors: Chu Chien-ling / Chiu Kuo-chiang) 1150615

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