Headline RoundupMay 20th, 2023

World Leaders Meet at 49th Annual G7 Summit in Japan

Summary from the AllSides News Team

Several world leaders are meeting at the G7 Summit in Hiroshima, Japan this weekend to discuss global security, economic, and political matters.

For Context: The G7 consists of the U.S., U.K., Italy, Japan, France, Germany, and Canada. The annual summit began May 19 and concludes on May 21.

Political Infighting: Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said “Canada is concerned” about some of Italy’s positions on “LGBT rights.” Italy’s recently-elected conservative PM Giorgia Meloni reportedly appeared annoyed by the remark, and according to Trudeau, Meloni said that “her government is following court decisions and is not deviating from previous administrations.”

Condemnation of China: The bloc issued strong criticisms of China for its militarisation of the South China Sea, and use of “economic coercion.” It also urged Beijing to push Russia to withdraw its forces from Ukraine.

A Special Guest: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy landed in Hiroshima Saturday to participate in diplomatic talks regarding Ukraine, and “peace and security.” On Friday, U.S. President Joe Biden announced he will allow Western allies to supply Ukraine with American-made F-16 fighter jets, and that the U.S., while not supplying jets itself, will train Ukrainian pilots.

How The Media Covered It: NBC News (Lean Left) and CNN (Lean Left) described Zelenskyy’s arrival as “dramatic.” Breitbart (Right) and Politico (Lean Left) covered the riff between Italy and Canada, but framed the context a bit differently, with Breitbart mentioning Italy’s intentions to withdraw from China's Belt and Road initiative.

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