On the first day of their summit G7 leaders immediately agreed to impose new sanctions against Russia. Addressing China was also a key item on the agenda, Indonesia attended to represent the voice of developing countries
By
CYPRIANUS ANTO SAPTOWALYONO, LARASWATI ARIADNE ANWAR, KRIS MADA, MUHAMMAD SAMSUL HADI
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AP/POOL/STEFAN ROUSSEAU
From left, Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, US President Joe Biden, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, French President Emmanuel Macron, European Council President Charles Michel and Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni arrive for the family photo at the Itsukushima Shrine in Hiroshima, western Japan, Friday, May 19, 2023.
HIROSHIMA, FRIDAY — The leaders of the world's seven wealthiest countries, known as the Group of Seven (G7), commenced their summit in Hiroshima, Japan, on Friday (19/05/2023). In addition to discussing various global issues, the meeting focused on implementing tougher measures against Russia and formulating strategic approaches to dealing with China.
The meeting will last three days. In addition to the seven G7 member countries—the United Kingdom, France, Italy, Germany, the United States, Canada, and Japan—along with the European Union, the G7 Summit was also attended by several invited world leaders, including President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo.
"Indonesia will bring the voice of the Global South, emphasizing that developing countries should also be heard, not only advanced and large countries. Therefore, developing countries should be heard in this forum. That is our desire," the President said during a press briefing at Halim Perdanakusuma Air Force Base in Jakarta on Friday morning, before departing for Japan.
President Jokowi also presented several points from the outcomes of the 42nd ASEAN Summit in Labuan Bajo, East Nusa Tenggara, last week. "For example, concerning Myanmar," the President said.
President Jokowi and his delegation landed at Hiroshima airport yesterday afternoon local time, welcomed by the Indonesian Ambassador to Japan, Heri Akhmadi.
Other invited leaders include Brazilian President Inacio Lula da Silva, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa.
"This year, Indonesia holds the influential position of ASEAN chair, politically and economically. We bring forth the aspirations of developing countries to discuss various issues, including climate change, food security, and energy resilience," Heri said in a written statement.
This export ban encompasses industrial equipment capable of manufacturing tools, vehicles, and weapons to be used in this conflict.
On the first day, the G7 leaders agreed on measures to tighten sanctions against Russia. Their objective is to sever Russia's access to all types of G7 technologies. This implies that the G7 will close off all channels that could enable Russia to acquire technology from G7 countries, combat equipment, or weapons maintenance services that would enhance their capacity to attack Ukraine.
"This export ban encompasses industrial equipment capable of manufacturing tools, vehicles, and weapons to be used in this conflict," read the joint statement.
AFP/MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF JAPAN
This handout photo taken and released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan shows Indonesia's President Joko Widodo (L) and his wife Iriana Widodo arriving for the G7 Leaders' Summit at Hiroshima airport in Mihara, Hiroshima prefecture on May 19, 2023.
The G7 also expressed its intention to collaborate with other countries to ensure the effective implementation of economic sanctions against Russia. It aimed to prevent Russian commodities from reaching other nations. Instead, the G7 sought to identify sectors in which it could provide support to these countries, reducing their reliance on Russia.
Each individual G7 member has imposed additional sanctions on Russia. For instance, the US has added 70 Russian entities to its blacklist, including shipping and transportation companies involved in the distribution of Russian commodities to other countries.
Furthermore, the UK has ceased importing gemstones, copper, aluminum, and nickel from Russia. To put this into perspective, Russia's annual diamond trade with the UK amounts to US$4 billion. Belgium, a member of the European Union, has also halted diamond imports from Russia. This decision has significant implications for jewelry artisans worldwide, as most of their precious stones come from Russia.
Relations with China
Our policy approach is not intended to harm China, and we do not aim to hinder China's progress and development,
Another topic that took center stage at the G7 Summit was addressing China. The draft joint communiqué, a copy of which Reuters obtained, mentioned efforts to reduce reliance on China in the global supply chain.
G7 countries perceive China as a threat to economic security. According to the draft communiqué, they are likely to acknowledge China's status as the world's second-largest economic power. With this recognition, they understand the need to strengthen cooperation to decrease dependence on China.
"Our policy approach is not intended to harm China, and we do not aim to hinder China's progress and development," stated the draft communiqué, which could potentially undergo changes before it is adopted on Sunday, the final day of the summit. The G7 will emphasize maintaining a "stable and constructive" relationship with Beijing.
This handout photo taken and released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan shows Britain's Prime Minister Rishi Sunak (L) taking a group selfie with other leaders as they travel by boat from Hiroshima to the nearby island of Miyajima during the G7 Summit Leaders' Meeting in Hiroshima on May 19, 2023.
The draft communiqué also emphasizes the importance of "reducing excessive dependence" on critical supply chains and addressing "harmful practices" in technology transfer and data disclosure.
Regarding China’s position in the global supply chain, which was a focal point at the G7 Summit, Li An, Head of the Economic and Trade Section of the Chinese Mission to ASEAN, explained separately in Jakarta that China had never issued any policies, rules, or statements indicating a desire to dominate the global supply chain.
"China has never sought to monopolize any sector. We believe in free trade and multilateralism," Li said.
Li further emphasized that in free trade, competition created to both winners and losers. The response should not be to blame free trade, but rather to improve each industry so they were stronger and more competitive.
Zelensky’s Appeal
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will also attend the G7 Summit. In addition to meeting with G7 leaders, he wants to speak directly to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and urge him to stop supporting Russia. Kyiv does not accept India's continuing purchase of Russian oil, the proceeds of which is used to finance the war.
Ukraine understands the commitments of the member countries of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM). Ukraine asks NAM to not take sides, but instead stand for global justice.
"President Zelensky wants to explain to PM Modi that Ukraine is striving to defend its independence and sovereignty, just as India once fought for its own independence," Ukrainian Ambassador to the UK Vadym Prystaiko said in an interview with iNews media. (AP/AFP/REUTERS)
This article was translated by Tenggara Strategics.
