Tokyo: The Group of Seven (G7) issued a collective appeal to China on Tuesday, urging the nation to use its influence to persuade Russia to halt its aggressive actions in Ukraine. The statement was issued by the foreign ministry of Japan, the current chair of the G7, following a meeting of the bloc’s foreign ministers on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly.
The joint statement emphasized the G7 members’ hope that China would exert its diplomatic weight to facilitate the immediate, comprehensive, and unconditional withdrawal of Russian forces from Ukrainian territory.
This declaration comes in the midst of a four-day visit to Russia by China’s top diplomat, Wang Yi, during which both nations are expected to solidify their political ties, potentially paving the way for a future visit to Beijing by Russian President Vladimir Putin.
In addition to encouraging China’s involvement in a Ukraine-led gathering in Jeddah, the G7 also “further encouraged China to actively support the establishment of a just and lasting peace, including fostering direct dialogue with Ukraine,” according to the statement.
Recent discussions between Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in Moscow, which included discussions on bolstering military cooperation, have raised concerns among the United States and other Western-aligned nations. Both Pyongyang and Moscow have denied allegations that North Korea might supply arms to Russia, which has seen substantial ammunition consumption during more than 18 months of warfare.
While the G7 joint statement refrained from identifying specific countries, it did reiterate the members’ call on third parties to cease all forms of support for Russia’s aggressive military campaign, warning of severe consequences for those who defy this appeal
Source Reuters
