Emmanuel Macron - France's withdrawal from Niger could jeopardize counterterrorism operations in the Sahel

G7’s renewal marks a new era defined by superpower rivalry

Financial Times

23-05-18 23:19


The G7 summit in Hiroshima is particularly important given the current geopolitical tensions between Russia and Ukraine, and tensions between China and the US. President Biden is keen to coordinate with democratic allies to deal with both issues. Observers will be watching for a convincing show of unity from the G7 on both China and Russia, and to see if that unity extends beyond rhetoric. The American emphasis on the G7, rather than the G20, marks a shift from a period dominated by economics and globalisation to a new era defined by politics and strategic rivalries.

https://www.ft.com/content/9389cbcd-6ac2-4bba-8c0c-3cb883f81567
‘We’re not going away,’ Sunak warns Putin on support for Ukraine

The Independent

23-05-19 06:07


British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has said that the Western allies are "steadfast" in their support for Ukraine, warning Vladimir Putin "we're not going away". During a round of interviews at Hiroshima’s Seifukan tea house, Sunak stated that the Russian President needs to understand this message, and told Putin that they cannot "outlast us in this conflict". The UK is introducing a ban on Russian diamonds, which was worth more than £3bn ($4.29bn) to Russia in 2021, and also prohibiting imports of Russian-origin copper, aluminium and nickel, hoping other countries will follow suit. The move is aimed at applying further pressure on Putin and his supporters, and the three-day summit will also discuss military and economic support for Ukraine, economic stability, and the security of Taiwan in the face of Chinese aggression. Sunak will also visit the A-bomb dome ruin with his Japanese counterpart to reflect on the atomic devastation in the Second World War.

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/vladimir-putin-ukraine-prime-minister-hiroshima-narendra-modi-b2341869.html
Russian push to lure western attendees to St Petersburg forum falls flat

Financial Times

23-05-19 04:20


Eric Schmidt, the former CEO of Google, has been named as a participant at Russia's flagship economic forum in St Petersburg, according to a draft programme seen by the Financial Times. However, some listed on the document said they had no intention of attending, with Kremlin efforts to attract foreign investment hindered by its toxic brandability amid western allegations of war and invasion in Ukraine. A lack of confirmed western names, including Lucid Motors CEO Peter Rawlinson and Stanford professor Ilya Strebulaev, has cast further doubt on Russia's ability to attract global business leaders.

https://www.ft.com/content/3e32160f-0b66-42b4-b973-484cb7650da9
How Niger became the last bastion against Russia’s Wagner group

The Independent

23-05-19 09:15


The president of Niger, Mohamed Bazoum, has warned of the presence of Russia's Wagner mercenaries in neighbouring countries Mali and Burkina Faso and urged Western investment in his country. Niger, which is rich in natural resources and minerals, produces seven percent of the world's uranium supply and is becoming a focus of Western interest as an African security and economic partner. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken visited Niger in April and the country's president met with Emmanuel Macron in Paris and attended King Charles’ coronation in London. Bazoum stated that despite their presence in the region, he would "certainly not invite" Wagner to Niger. The Libyan-owned Wagner Group engages in lucrative commercial ventures in Africa and has a widespread military presence in the region. Some proceeds go to funding its operations in Ukraine, estimated to cost $100m per month. Climate change has also had a severe impact on the region, making it vulnerable to Islamist extremist recruitment. Bazoum has urged Western companies to invest in Niger, stating there is little incoming investment from countries such as France and the UK.

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/africa/niger-wagner-group-russian-mercenaries-b2341942.html
Sunak warns Putin will ‘pay the price’ for Ukraine invasion

The Independent

23-05-19 07:52


UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has issued a warning to Russian President Vladimir Putin, stating that Western allies, including the UK, are “not going away” and will support Ukraine's resistance against the invasion. Speaking at the G7 summit in Japan, Sunak said that the west was “steadfast” in its support of Ukraine and that Russia would “pay a price” as he announced new areas of sanctions, which include banning Russian diamonds and prohibiting imports of Russian copper, aluminum and nickel. Amid hopes that allies will follow the UK's lead, Sunak also said he is “hopeful and confident” that Britain's partner countries will impose similar sanctions, making them more effective and ensuring that Russia pays a price for its “illegal activity”.

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/putin-ukraine-war-pays-price-sunak-b2341918.html
Ukrainian president to attend G7 summit as allies seek to put pressure on Putin

The Independent

23-05-19 07:06


Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky is poised to attend the G7 summit in Japan this weekend, according to reports, offering an opportunity to build links with India's Narendra Modi and Brazil's Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who are yet to oppose Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The G7 group was expelling Russia from its members, following the country’s 2014 annexation of Crimea. Discussions between G7 countries will focus on economic and military support within Ukraine as allies seek to show a united front following British-imposed bans on Russian diamonds, copper, aluminium, nickel, and new individual sanctions against 86 people and companies.

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/vladimir-putin-volodymyr-zelensky-luiz-inacio-lula-da-silva-rishi-sunak-hiroshima-b2341921.html
Joe Biden stumbles while walking down stairs at G7 Summit in Japan

The Independent

23-05-19 14:03


US President Joe Biden was captured nearly tripping down a set of stairs at the G7 summit in Japan. Footage shows him fumbling his footing as he walked down a small set of stairs at the Itsukushima Shrine in Hiroshima, Japan. He has been captured several times tripping or stumbling before throughout his presidency, raising concerns about his age. However, the White House released a health summary report from Mr Biden’s official doctor, Kevin O’Connor, in February to prove Mr Biden is in good health. The G7 members are expected to speak about Russian sanctions and provide support to Ukraine as well as climate change and China’s growing military buildup.

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/biden-g7-summit-japan-fall-b2342175.html
A new experiment in blended finance

Financial Times

23-05-19 11:20


UK-based multi-development bank the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is set to collaborate with emerging market asset manager ILX and the European Union (EU) to improve "climate-smart solutions, digital transformation and financial inclusion" in eastern Europe. Although not strictly a blended-finance arrangement as the ILX investment is ring-fenced, the $300m project sets down a "new marker in development finance," according to Valdis Dombrovskis, European Commission executive vice-president. Dombrovskis said he hoped the scheme would serve as "a new model that can inspire other international financial institutions and private investors to step up sustainable and green investment." The initiative ties into the EU's plans to invest $300bn in green projects with a view to attracting private funding.

https://www.ft.com/content/966908d1-1058-4bf5-bd93-463c56c2ec44
President Macron’s stance on China is a ‘dumpster fire’ that ‘undermines Taiwan’

Telegraph

23-05-19 19:35


France President Emmanuel Macron has been criticised by the chairman of the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party for risking undermining support of Taiwan, due to his stance on China, describing it as a "dumpster fire". British and American members of the global Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China visited London on Friday to discuss toughening up the West's response to China. Macron said last month that Europe must not get dragged into a confrontation between Washington and Beijing over Taiwan.

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2023/05/19/emmanuel-macron-china-stance-dumpster-fire-undermine-taiwan/
US to support providing F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine

BBC

23-05-19 19:30


The US government is set to support Ukraine in providing advanced fighter jets, including US-made F-16s to aid in the country's fight against Russia. The US has also backed training pilots on these planes. President Biden informed G7 leaders of the decision ahead of meetings in Japan. Ukrainian President Volodomyr Zelensky requested these fighter jets several months ago, and the decision by the US will allow other nations to export their own F-16s, as the US must legally approve the re-export of equipment purchased by its allies.

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-65649471
G-7 Seeks Stable China Ties While ‘De-risking,’ Communique Says

Bloomberg

23-05-20 05:14


Leaders of the Group of Seven (G-7) have said they want “constructive and stable” relations with China as they continue with measures to reduce reliance on the country for key supply chains. The comments came in a communique released during the G-7 meeting taking place in Hiroshima, Japan. The document emphasised that while the countries sought to “de-risk and diversify” supply chains, they were not engaged in “decoupling or turning inwards”. The statement also called for the establishment of a “level playing field” for workers and companies, as well as the protection of “advanced technologies” which might used to pose national security threats. The G-7 also urged China to back a “comprehensive, just and lasting peace” in Ukraine.

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-05-20/g-7-seeks-stable-china-ties-while-de-risking-communique-says?srnd=next-china
G-7 latest: Biden's, other leaders' Hiroshima memorial messages released

Nikkei Asia

23-05-20 03:05


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.

https://asia.nikkei.com/Spotlight/G-7-in-Japan/G-7-latest-Biden-s-other-leaders-Hiroshima-memorial-messages-released
G-7 latest: Zelenskyy and Modi meet on summit sidelines

Nikkei Asia

23-05-20 10:00


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.

https://asia.nikkei.com/Spotlight/G-7-in-Japan/G-7-latest-Zelenskyy-and-Modi-meet-on-summit-sidelines
Macron to become first French leader to visit Mongolia

RFI

23-05-20 08:33


France's president Emmanuel Macron will complete an official visit to Mongolia this weekend, held up by the country as proof of its increasingly important position on the global stage. Engagement with western leaders, the mining of lithium and uranium, and its recently-discovered oil reserves are seen as vital to Mongolia reducing its reliance on China, which currently buys much of its commodities. However, concerns over Mongolia becoming overdependent on China and moving towards a one-party state dominate and have inspired Macron to call a meeting with Mongolia's president to discuss the country's reputation.

https://www.rfi.fr/en/france/20230520-macron-to-become-first-french-leader-to-visit-mongolia
Volodymyr Zelensky’s historic G7 trip sends ‘powerful message’ against Russian brutality

Telegraph

23-05-20 14:43


Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was welcomed to Hiroshima for a visit to the G7 summit by UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, who said that the trip demonstrates how, despite Russian aggression, freedom and sovereignty will never succumb. Additionally, Joe Biden has allowed allies to send F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine, and Britain is due to begin training Ukrainian pilots to boost their combat air capabilities within the next two months. Russia has warned the West that if it supplies the jets, it will be taking "colossal risks".

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2023/05/20/volodymyr-zelensky-arrives-g7-summit-hiroshima-japan/
France asks US for extra protection from resurgent Islamist terror threat

Telegraph

23-05-20 13:48


France's interior minister, Gerald Darmanin, has called on the US for increased security assistance in dealing with the ongoing threat posed by Islamist terrorism, particularly in advance of next year's Olympic Games in Paris. Darmanin warned of the risk of a Bataclan-style attack or stabbings at bakeries from operatives infiltrating France for terror attacks. He urged greater US-French collaboration on intelligence, cautioning that Sunni terrorism remains the "primary risk".

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2023/05/20/france-us-security-boost-terrorism-2024-olympics/
G-7 latest: Lavrov slams G-7's 'double containment' of Russia, China.

Nikkei Asia

23-05-20 13:06


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.

https://asia.nikkei.com/Spotlight/G-7-in-Japan/G-7-latest-Lavrov-slams-G-7-s-double-containment-of-Russia-China
Russia warns of ‘colossal risks’ if F-16 fighter jets sent to Ukraine

The Independent

23-05-20 12:30


Russia’s deputy foreign minister, Alexander Grushko, has warned Western countries of “colossal risks” associated with providing Ukraine with US-manufactured F-16 fighter jets. His comments follow an announcement by US President Joe Biden granting the transfer of the planes and training for Ukrainian pilots. The UK has welcomed the decision, with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak leading calls for Ukraine to receive the jets.

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/russia-colossal-risks-f16-ukraine-b2342646.html
Zelenskiy’s Surprise G-7 Stop Unnerves Critical Brazilian Leader

Bloomberg

23-05-20 11:58


Brazil has felt pressure to meet with Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskiy following the unannounced attendance of Zelenskiy to the G7 summit in Japan. Brazilian officials have said that the Brazilian delegation felt nervous about the event and considered it to be a “trap” scene. The Brazilian President Lula, who is attending as an invitee, was urged by French President Emmanuel Macron to meet with Zelenskiy. Some tensions may arise from Brazil’s more neutral stance on the war in Ukraine, feeling that both Ukraine, the US and EU share the blame for Russia’s invasion.

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-05-20/zelenskiy-s-surprise-g-7-stop-unnerves-critical-brazilian-leader?srnd=next-china
China and Russia lash out at G7 ‘double containment’ attempt

Japan Times

23-05-21 05:53


Russia and China have criticised Group of Seven leaders in Hiroshima for their joint statement, following US President Joe Biden’s first in-person talks with Moscow’s Vladimir Putin days earlier in Geneva of working to “ensure predictability and stability” in world affairs amid “a new and challenging strategic landscape.” Moscow described the G7 statement as pushing the Ukraine war towards infliction of a strategic defeat upon Russia, while Beijing accused Washington of “coercive diplomacy,” claiming US sanctions against China and decoupling and disrupting industrial and supply chains made the US the real coercer. The G7 leaders pledged joint diplomatic, financial, humanitarian, and military support for Ukraine in the document. The statement also pledged they would “starve Russia of G7 technology, industrial equipment and services that support its war machine”, and that the G7 would continue to shield agricultural, medical and humanitarian products from the measures. Critics have accused the emerging rivalry between the G7 and China/Russia of creating two global blocks and a new Cold War, with third-world countries forced to take sides.

https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2023/05/21/world/china-g7-new-cold-war/