China has criticized the G-7 nations’ new joint mechanism aimed at counteracting economic coercion, accusing them of interference within China's internal affairs. China deems the G-7 has performed this interference on topics such as Tibet, Xinjiang, Hong Kong and Taiwan as well as creating tensions in the South and East China Seas, according to an embassy spokesman. The G-7 Coordination Platform on Economic Coercion detects perceived hostile actions, largely aimed at China. China urged the US to stop “bullying” and disclosed their desire for the G-7 to shift from a Cold War mindset.
Leaders of the G7 countries and their invited guests, India, Indonesia, South Korea, Vietnam and Australia, are meeting in Hiroshima over the next few days. The likely topics for discussion include the Ukraine conflict, growing Chinese dominance and the threat to Taiwan as well as issues surrounding supply chains and economic and energy security. The prominent attendance of India, a country that chairs the G20 this year, is highlighted as likely to shine a spotlight on the developing world. However, many have asked why the focus of the summit is background noise, rather than on the nuclear threat signaled by North Korea's recent nuclear tests and missile launches.
Leaders at the G7 summit in Japan have held talks focusing on the deepening dominance of China and political tensions on the Korean peninsula. The likely impact on the Japanese economy of the UK's Brexit decision is also a significant concern. Top of the agenda was the situation in the Ukraine and issues related to economic security and supply chains. India's attendance, as chair of the G20, has highlighted the importance of the developing world. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has made several contributions to the talks, arguing for inclusive food systems to be created across the world. At a separate meeting, involving the leaders of Japan and Brazil, mention was made of the need for security council reform. Meanwhile, US President Barack Obama became the first sitting US president to visit Hiroshima, where he laid a wreath at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial.
A joke at an Xiaoguo Culture Media-coached stand-up comedy show has reduced its industry to fear for the future, with cancelled events and police investigations. The professional standards bureau fined Xiaoguo over $2m and forbid it from holding shows in Beijing and Shanghai, following comments which ridiculed Chinese military veterans. The media company, which was reported to be censoring sensitive content prior to the show, claims the incident occurred due to “major loopholes in management” and terminated the comedian involved, Livestreamer Li Haoshi, with a sincere apology.
The UK government is attempting to pass an amendment to the Illegal Migration Bill to create new powers to “search for, seize and retain” the mobile phones of small boat migrants crossing the Channel and “other things on which information is stored in electronic form”. Last year, the Home Office was censured by the High Court for seizing all migrants’ mobile phones crossing the Channel between 2018 and 2020. The judges said the policy violated data protection laws and human rights, saying it was “wholly impractical and disproportionate”.
The Group of Seven (G7) summit held in Hiroshima this week has focused on the Ukraine crisis, as well as the growth of China and the associated rising threat to Taiwan. The discussions have incorporated a range of issues, including energy and economic security and supply chains. The attendance of nations such as India, Indonesia, Vietnam and Australia has ensured a focus on developing countries. Earlier this week, speaking at the summit, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi suggested that the creation of a system focused on food security, particularly for “marginal farmers” must be given priority, and suggested that there was a need to strengthen global “fertilizer supply chains” while curtailing “the expansionist mindset controlling fertilizer resources.” The summit has also covered artificial intelligence, nuclear weapons and non-proliferation, and climate change. It had been hoped that discussion of global health issues would also feature. The G7 comprises Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the UK and the US. The summit concludes today.
The International Criminal Court (ICC) has expressed concern over Russia's decision to place a prosecutor and judges on a wanted list, saying that it regrets the "acts of intimidation" and attempts to undermine the court's mandate. The ICC issued a warrant for Vladimir Putin in March, citing his role in the illegal deportation of children from Ukraine. Russia has denied any violation of international law.
The G7 summit in Hiroshima has ended with discussions focusing on the Ukrainian war and the dominance of China. They also focused on challenges facing developing economies, including Brazil, Vietnam, Comoros and India. Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy made headlines during his time the summit. He was present in the session on Ukraine where it was revealed he had spoken with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. His itinerary for the rest of the day included visiting the Peace Memorial Park and the museum in Hiroshima to remember the atomic bombing of the city. Zelenskyy continues to make the rounds of G-7 leaders. Earlier on the second day of the summit, India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi met the president on the margins of the summit for the first time since Russia's invasion of the Ukraine and shared images of their encounter to his Twitter page.
The final day of the Group of Seven (G7) summit has passed in Hiroshima, with delegates including Ukraine's President Volodomyr Zelenskyy discussing the war, China’s dominance and the issues faced by the Global South. Joining the leaders were a number of key Asia-Pacific figures such as the Indian, South Korean, Indonesian and Australian prime ministers. The triennial met throughout the summit, while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy took some time off to visit Hiroshima’s Peace Memorial Park and Museum. President Joe Biden met with Zelenskyy, Ukrainian Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and Japanese Prime Minister for talks. The G7 laid out a common de-risking path on China, while India's Narendra Modi commented that he would “amplify concerns of the Global South” at the summit.
German police are investigating the possible poisoning of two Russian exiles, who attended a conference in Berlin at the end of April organised by Russian Kremlin critic Mikhail Khodorkovsky. Two women reportedly showed symptoms that suggested possible poisoning after attending the conference, according to Russian investigative media group Agentstvo, which was cited by German newspaper Welt am Sonntag. No further details have been disclosed by the police.
The Ukraine conflict was at the forefront of G7 meetings in Hiroshima, Japan, over the weekend. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was among the invitees to the meetings, which discussed China's growing dominance and issues affecting the so-called "Global South." Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau expressed the need for a "resilient and diversified" approach to supply chains, while UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak commented on the summit's significance for consolidating peace. Meanwhile, Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida called for the issue of nuclear weapons to be discussed openly, and said it was "historically significant" for the G7 leaders visiting the Peace Memorial Museum to publish a focus on nuclear disarmament – known as the Hiroshima Vision. The G7 summit heralded a number of warm bilateral meetings, concluding with talks between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol on the conflict on Sunday afternoon.
Fighting between Sudanese warring factions could still be heard in the capital, Khartoum, despite a week-long ceasefire deal that is due to start on Monday. The deal, brokered by Saudi Arabia and the US, is the first in which the sides have signed a truce agreement and allows for the delivery of humanitarian aid. Eyewitnesses reported the sound of clashes in central and southern Khartoum on Sunday. Senior army general Yassir al-Atta said residents being attacked in their homes should be able to act in self-defence.
Canada must take action to counter an international surge of hate towards transgender and non-binary people, says activist Celeste Trianon. Writing for the Winnipeg Free Press, Trianon observes that she is receiving messages from friends who feel unsafe amid rights rollbacks across the country, citing the example of Quebec Conservative Party leader Éric Duhaime’s anti-drag petition, which has gained 40,000 signatures. Trianon calls for Canada to reinforce its leading position on LGBTQ rights, welcoming the refugees that will soon be generated by global hate.
The Group of Seven (G7) summit in Japan has ended, with discussions centring around the Ukraine war, China’s growing dominance and support for the “Global South”. According to a communique, the G7 nations have agreed to support public-private initiatives to swerve China's “belt and road” initiative, to implement measures to counter state-backed “malicious cyber activities”, and to decarbonise energy systems by the end of the century. The G7 also signed a declaration committing to the protection of international maritime regulations, including the peaceful resolution of maritime disputes, navigation rights, and safety along sea lanes. G7 leaders expressed concern over the situation in the East and South China seas. The summit also saw the invitees from Indonesia, South Korea, India and Australia discuss issues such as Ebola, the impact of Brexit, terrorism and trade. President Zelenskyy of Ukraine was in the spotlight throughout the summit.
UK Attorney General Suella Braverman is reportedly under pressure after she was accused of requesting help to avoid getting points on her licence for speeding. The Sunday Times suggested Braverman asked for administrative help to try to organise a solo driving course after being caught in 2020. However, she was unsuccessful in that effort, and instead was given three penalty points on her licence. Braverman was appointed Attorney General for England and Wales in February 2020 and became a Privy Counsellor. She has also served as Home Secretary.
The Conservative Party is facing existential threats that could lead to it ceasing to exist as we currently know it. It has governed Britain for the majority of the last century, but is moving further away from the mood of the British people and now faces the possibility of a crushing defeat followed by disarray and then a schism. There are strong hints of decline for the Party, with voters losing faith and a government that appears to be not in control of events. The next two or three years will bring existential threats. Having won a famous victory a little over three years ago, it could be out of contention for decades. All three factors that helped them win in 2019 have disappeared, or turned negative, and the voters have stopped listening to the Tories. The party’s newer voters feel gaslit, while older, more traditional voters feel let down by the party. The Tories are loathed and the great coalition of voters assembled by Boris Johnson in 2019 will now split four ways causing the party to slump below its 1997 score. If the Conservative Party continues to be split, it could cease to exist as we know it.
Argentina's largest oil union, the Private Oil and Gas Union of Rio Negro, Neuquen and La Pampa, has started an indefinite strike to demand labor improvements following a string of accidents that injured workers. The union, which represents around 25,000 workers operating in Argentina's Vaca Muerta shale formation, has said that previous discussions with business leaders have been meaningless and used simply to delay taking action. Vaca Muerta produces 47% of Argentine total oil output and 41% of gas.
South Korea and the European Union have agreed to launch a strategic dialogue between top diplomats in order to develop a security partnership, according to a joint statement released on Monday. The two powers also agreed to cooperate in areas such as climate change, health, and supply chains. South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol held a summit in Seoul with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Charles Michel. The move comes amid tension over tensions with Russia and North Korean nuclear threats.
