World Leaders Meet at 49th Annual G7 Summit in Japan
AllSides Summary
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.
Featured Coverage of this Story
From the Right
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy arrives in Japan for 2023 G-7 Summit: 'Peace will become closer today'
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived Saturday in Japan for diplomatic talks with leaders of the world’s most powerful democracies participating in the Group of Seven (G7) after the U.S. pledged to train Ukrainian pilots to fly F-16 jet fighters.
"Japan. G7. Important meetings with partners and friends of Ukraine. Security and enhanced cooperation for our victory," Zelenskyy wrote in a Twitter post upon his arrival in Japan. "Peace will become closer today."
Confirmation of Zelenskyy's in-person attendance came as G-7 leaders from the United States, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, the United Kingdom, Japan and...
From the Center
G7 issues strongest condemnation of China as it intensifies response to Beijing
The G7 has issued its strongest condemnation of China as the world’s most advanced economies step up their response to what they say are rising military and economic security threats posed by Beijing.
Criticising China over everything from its militarisation of the South China Sea to its use of “economic coercion”, the G7 urged Beijing to push Russia to withdraw its troops from Ukraine.
The G7 members said they were “seriously concerned” about events in the East and South China Seas, and “strongly oppose any unilateral attempts to change the...
From the Left
Trudeau slams Meloni over LGBTQ+ record
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called out Italian leader Giorgia Meloni’s stance on LGBTQ+ rights in a meeting Friday on the margins of the G7 summit in Hiroshima, Japan.
“Obviously, Canada is concerned about some of the (positions) that Italy is taking in terms of LGBT rights,” Trudeau told Meloni, who was visibly annoyed, according to multiple media outlets.
“But I look forward to talking with you about that,” he added before the start of the meeting.
Canada’s leader restated this point in the official note issued after his bilateral with...
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