G7 foreign ministers reaffirmed their support for Ukraine and welcomed China’s participation in peace efforts but warned Beijing not to support Russia in its war against Ukraine.
In a statement released at its meeting in Tokyo, the group of industrialized nations blasted Russia for its “brutal war of aggression” and said reaffirmed “our unwavering supportfor Ukraine for as long as it takes to bring a comprehensive, just and lasting peace.”
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock warned: “If we lose our breath now in our support for Ukraine, [Russian President Vladimir] Putin will exploit this mercilessly – with terrible consequences for the people of Ukraine and Europe.”
They are stepping up efforts to help Ukraine with its winter preparations. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba joined the G7 discussions on Ukraine via video at times.
The group, while welcoming China’s participation in the peace efforts led by Ukraine, said China – which is not part of the G7 – should urge Russia to end its aggression and support a just and lasting peace.The G7 ministers also discussed the situation in the Indo-Pacific.
While not directly mentioning the island of Taiwan, which China claims as its own, Baerbock said that since Russia’s attack on Ukraine, “we have painfully learnt how aggressive rhetoric or fantasy maps can turn into dangerous reality.” She emphasized international cooperation to prevent another war.
“We must work together today to ensure that no new theatres of war emerge, the shock waves of which would shake us all.”Britain, the United States, France, Italy, Japan, Canada and Germany make up the G7 group of Western industrialized nations. Japan currently holds the presidency.
