"The US Has Returned"... The G7 Different from the Trump Era

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Yujin Cho] The atmosphere at the Group of Seven (G7) summit attended by U.S. President Joe Biden has been evaluated as completely different from the time of former President Donald Trump.

On the 12th (local time), major foreign media outlets citing a source reported that "previously, the focus was solely on maintaining the G7 intact, but now there is no such concern." This was in comparison to the previous G7 meetings attended by former President Donald Trump, which were marked by extreme chaos.

In particular, French President Emmanuel Macron, who had conflicts with former President Trump over key policies, emphasized that "America is back," creating a warm and friendly atmosphere.

When a reporter asked President Biden if "America is back," Biden gestured to President Macron to answer instead, and Macron replied, "Definitely yes." He added, "President Biden is showing that leadership is partnership."

This contrasted with the 2018 G7 summit, where President Macron and former President Trump clashed over trade wars and climate issues, engaging in a "handshake power struggle."

The Washington Post (WP) reported that during this eight-day European tour, there are still mixed concerns in Europe regarding the United States.

Former President Trump openly threatened to withdraw the U.S. at a NATO summit and once pushed the Prime Minister of Montenegro to stand in the front row during a 2017 group photo session.

At the 2018 G7 summit, Trump caused controversy by refusing to endorse the joint statement and reportedly threw two candies toward German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

Moreover, when the G7 joint statement rejecting protectionism and tariff barriers was announced, Trump immediately tweeted that he had never signed it, resulting in the failure to adopt the statement?a remarkable scene.

Also, when Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, the host at the time, criticized U.S. tariffs, Trump insulted him on Twitter as "very dishonest and weak."

A scene reflecting the atmosphere at the time showed former President Trump sitting with his arms crossed while Chancellor Merkel stood across the table watching him with a stern expression, which became known as a "symbol of division."

Ahead of this G7 summit, the European Union (EU) leadership celebrated that "the G7 is back," but WP pointed out that this is nothing more than "superficial cheerfulness."