Secretary of State stated, ‘We’re now engaging China and the challenges it poses from a position of strength.’
Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that the Group of Seven (G7) countries are “increasingly aligned” in their efforts to confront economic and security risks posed by communist China. This statement came after the group’s foreign ministers concluded their two-day meeting in Italy on Nov. 26.
Blinken emphasized the importance of acting together and not alone, stating, “The bottom line is this: We are much stronger, we’re much more effective, when we’re acting together, not alone.” He highlighted the economic benefits of unified action, particularly when dealing with policies of concern by China.
The G7 consists of the world’s most advanced economies, including Canada, France, Germany, Japan, Italy, the UK, and the United States, with the European Union participating as an observer.
Blinken also mentioned the historic investments made by the United States at home and abroad, enabling them to engage China from a position of strength. He expressed confidence that this strong foundation could be passed on to the next administration.
China
Following their meeting, the foreign ministers issued a joint statement expressing deep concern about China’s increasing support to Russia’s defense industrial base. This support enables Russia to sustain its illegal war in Ukraine.
Other concerns related to China included their non-market practices, deployment of coast guard and maritime militia in the South China Sea, human rights violations in Xinjiang and Tibet, and the recent sentencing of pro-democracy activists in Hong Kong.
The group reaffirmed its support for peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, as well as Taiwan’s “meaningful participation” in international organizations.
Tensions between Beijing and Taipei remain high, with the Chinese regime engaging in “grey zone” operations targeting Taiwan, such as flying military aircraft or balloons into the island’s air defense identification zones.
Taiwan’s foreign ministry welcomed the G7 alliance’s support in a statement issued on Nov. 27, affirming their commitment to working with G7 member states to uphold democracy, freedom, human rights, and the rule of law.
The Canadian province of Alberta will host the next G7 Leaders’ Summit in 2025.
Partnerships
It is unclear how Trump will engage allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific. Experts anticipate an escalation in deterrence against Chinese aggression during Trump’s second term, addressing issues like overcapacity.
Experts suggest that Trump’s “America First” agenda could encourage U.S. allies to form closer coalitions among themselves, promoting equitable alliances and partnerships. They caution against forcing allies to choose between China and the United States.
Japan and the Philippines are highlighted as key partners in addressing China’s behavior in the South China Sea.
An analyst at the European Union Institute for Security Studies recommended proactive engagement with the Trump administration to enhance industrial capacity, emphasizing the need for transatlantic allies to align public procurement clauses to promote critical production outside of China and Russia.
Failure to initiate such a deal could result in Washington prioritizing its own interests, potentially undermining the economic and security interests of allies.
