G7 Foreign Ministers Condemn North Korea's Arms Supply to Russia... Concern Over China's Hegemonism

"North Korea's Ballistic Missiles and Russia's Arms Supply Violate Security Council"
China's Hegemonism Strengthens... G7 Should Express Concern

The foreign ministers of the Group of Seven (G7) condemned North Korea's ballistic missile launches and Russia's provision of weapons as violations of United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions, and expressed concern over China's moves, including its advances in the South China Sea.

According to the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the 8th, the G7 foreign ministers held a meeting in Tokyo that morning and made these statements. On the second day of the meeting, the agenda focused on the Indo-Pacific situation, discussing issues including Ukraine and China.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

They strongly criticized North Korea's successive ballistic missile launches and the provision of weapons and ammunition to Russia as clear violations of UNSC resolutions. Yoko Kamikawa, the foreign minister chairing the meeting, pointed out, "We are seriously concerned about the increasing nuclear missile activities of North Korea." In addition, the G7 foreign ministers expressed support for the immediate resolution of the abduction issue.

Regarding China, which has recently intensified hegemonic moves such as maritime advances in the South China Sea, they stated, "It is important to engage as the G7 and directly express our concerns," while also noting, "There is a need to cooperate on global challenges." Foreign Minister Kamikawa emphasized the necessity of dialogue with China at this meeting and explained the recent situation, including Sino-Japanese relations.

Concerning the situation in Ukraine, they reaffirmed their unwavering stance to continue strict sanctions against Russia and provide strong support to Ukraine.

The G7 foreign ministers plan to release a joint statement late in the afternoon, including responses to the Middle East situation discussed the previous day.

Meanwhile, Tony Blinken, the U.S. Secretary of State participating in the meeting, will visit South Korea late after the foreign ministers' meeting, hold talks with Foreign Minister Park Jin, and pay a courtesy call on President Yoon Suk-yeol.