Balance of the G7 summit in Hiroshima

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The grand summits of the world’s richest and most powerful nations are often criticized for a lack of results beyond vaguely expressed promises of cooperation and token photo opportunities. Yet at a time of deep geopolitical divisions, with the world’s two largest economies colliding and Russia’s continued aggression in Ukraine, summits take on greater importance in helping to prevent disunity.

Under this light, the G7 meeting in Japan over the weekend had some notable achievements. The three-day meeting culminated in a broad but more unified approach by member nations on the war in Ukraine and China’s growing assertiveness. Convergence should not be taken for granted. But ultimately the success of the Hiroshima summit will be determined by its ability to turn communiqués into concrete global action, and by that measure, much work lies ahead.

The summit made a welcome effort to broaden international support for Ukraine. The G7 reaffirmed its commitment to counter Vladimir Putin’s aggression, and the invitation from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was also significant. He gave Zelenskyy a global platform, allowing him to push his agenda for peace in Ukraine also to the invited leaders of the emerging powers, who are much more skeptical. He US decision backing allies in supplying F-16 fighter jets and helping train Ukrainian pilots, along with a new $375 million military aid package from Washington, was also a particular boost for Kiev.

On China, the group criticized Beijing’s use of “economic coercion”, urged it to use its influence to pressure Russia to withdraw troops from Ukraine and called for a “peaceful resolution” of tensions with Taiwan. Most significant was the rallying around “de-risking” economic relations with China, rather than “decoupling”: echoing calls from the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen. Given differing economic interests, the West has been in conflict over how best to address China’s vast state dominance of critical global supply chains, while also de-escalating tensions with Beijing. The G7 agreement is a step forward in providing a coordinated framework.

However, winning the support of the so-called “global south” will remain a great challenge for the G7. The economic ties between these nations and Russia and China are a barrier. In fact, India has been gorging itself on cheap Russian oil and bilateral trade between Brazil and China. has emerged. With China also building ports and dishing out billions in aid and investment to Latin America, Africa and Southeast Asia, stronger dialogue will only go so far. limited progress on climate commitmentSummit meetings will also do little to convince poorer nations to push their own efforts. The G7 will have to follow through on their promises to support developing nations with investment and climate finance.

The success of the G7’s strategy to “de-risk” ties with China will also depend on whether there is a common understanding of exactly what it means. Outlining and agreeing on the details will be the next step. Easing tensions with China will not be easy either, especially if ambiguities persist. In fact, on Sunday, Beijing banned the American chipmaker micron technology products of its infrastructure about potential security risks, a decision the US Commerce Department says has “no basis in fact.”

With the G20 summit scheduled to take place in New Delhi later this year, the challenge now is to show the “global south” that it is not just an afterthought. A unified approach on Russia and China among seven of the world’s major economic powers is a step in the right direction. But to move forward and build a global pact, the G7 will have to accompany its words with money and more detail.