Trump's 'G7 Expansion' Including Russia? ... UK and Canada "Oppose"

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Hyunjin] On the 1st (local time), the United Kingdom and Canada opposed U.S. President Donald Trump's mention of Russia as a candidate for expanding the Group of Seven (G7) summit.

According to AP News and others, a spokesperson for the British Prime Minister's Office said on the day, "It is customary for the G7 chair country to invite other national leaders as guests," but emphasized, "Decisions regarding G7 members require unanimous agreement." They added, "We will not support Russia's return as a G7 member unless Russia ceases its aggressive activities that threaten the safety of the British people and the collective security of allies."

On the same day, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also emphasized at a regular press conference that he does not support Russia's return to the G7. When asked whether he would attend the summit if Russia participates, he did not answer directly but said that much discussion is needed before the meeting. Prime Minister Trudeau said, "The G7 has been a place for honest conversations with allies and friends with whom we share much. This is what I hope to continue seeing."

The opposition from the UK and Canada came after President Trump's proposal to expand the G7 on the 30th of last month. President Trump suggested postponing the G7 summit to around the United Nations General Assembly in New York in September or after the U.S. presidential election in November and increasing the number of participating countries by four, including Korea, Russia, Australia, and India. Subsequently, he discussed this issue during phone calls with President Moon Jae-in and President Vladimir Putin on the same day.

Russia, originally a member of the G8, was excluded from the G8 following the annexation of Crimea in Ukraine in 2014 due to opposition from other members, and the G8 has since become the G7. Therefore, conflicts between the United States and existing members over Russia's participation seem inevitable.