US "Agreement with G7 to Remove Forced Labor from International Supply Chains"... Targeting China's Xinjiang (Comprehensive Report 2)

Pressure Related to Ransomware in Russia

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy New York=Correspondent Baek Jong-min] The Biden administration in the United States agreed with the Group of Seven (G7) on taking concrete measures against forced labor, ransomware threats, and corruption, directly mentioning China's Xinjiang region.

The White House announced on the 13th (local time) that President Biden and the G7 leaders made this decision through solidarity among democratic countries.

The United States first expressed a strong determination to eliminate forced labor from international supply chains, expressing concern about state-led forced labor in the agriculture, solar energy, and apparel sectors, specifically pointing to the Xinjiang region of China.

The United States explained that it will engage in enhanced cooperation and joint efforts to eradicate all forms of forced labor in global supply chains in accordance with international and domestic laws.

Regarding the recent consecutive ransomware attacks, pressure was applied on Russia. The White House pointed out that transnational criminal enterprises operate from geographic locations that provide an environment for malicious cyber activities. This is interpreted as identifying Russia as the base for ransomware attack groups. The White House also noted that ransomware organizations utilize cryptocurrencies.

The White House particularly emphasized the need for cooperation in investigating and prosecuting malicious cyber activities targeting critical infrastructure.

President Biden is scheduled to hold a summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Geneva, Switzerland, on the 16th.

The White House introduced that corruption undermines the foundation of democratic societies, causes enormous costs to the economy, and forces unfairness on citizens, and that G7 member countries have agreed to share corruption-related information regarding real estate purchases to prevent money laundering.

The United States stated that these contents will be included in the joint declaration of the G7 summit.