As the host country of the G7 summit, Japan is in the spotlight. The most important theme of the summit is the growing tension between China and Taiwan. “This is an extremely thorny issue for Japan. Just like North Korea’s missiles flying over Japan,’ says Japan observer Radboud Molijn of Global Bridges.
Japan, which is also currently a member of the United Nations Security Council, sees itself as an important diplomatic power in these conflicts, Molijn said. It is also the only Asian country that is a member of the G7, he points out. “It has already been said in various statements that Japan is the country that will monitor the international order and ensure that no big things happen around Taiwan.”
‘Entertainment for the Stage’
G7 foreign ministers strongly condemned North Korea’s missile tests in a multi-day meeting in Karuizawa, northwest of Tokyo. Just like the Russian invasion of Ukraine and Chinese military activities in the South China Sea.
“It’s a great show for the stage,” says Molijn. “It makes sense that foreign ministers meet here, but the real work takes place in the side rooms, out of sight of the outside world.” The foreign ministers of Canada, Germany, France, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States have been meeting in Japan since Sunday.
‘It’s a great show for the stage’
China
Japan’s influence over China is limited, Molijn thinks. “Japan can make all kinds of statements, but China is more a subject of discussion than participation in the talks because they are simply not part of it.”
Japan recently doubled its defense spending, from one to two percent of GDP. “It’s big enough.” But more important is what happens on the ground, Molijn says. America, the Netherlands and Japan have entered into agreements to limit the export of semiconductors to China. This will undoubtedly have consequences, because China is already taking countermeasures.”
North Korea
On North Korea, ministers said ballistic missile tests and nuclear tests must cease. In Sudan, where fighting is currently raging, the G7 countries are calling for a ceasefire. In Afghanistan, ministers are calling on the Taliban to lift the ban on female staff in non-governmental organizations (NGOs).
The G7 began as an advisory group focused on economic issues, but has grown in prominence as a Western summit that also deals with political issues. In addition to the seven countries, the European Union has also participated since 1977.
Source: BNR
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