Accusing Absentees

Group of 7 Summit in Ise-Shima, Japan, was closed with delivery of a declaration for addressing various international issues. On international politics and diplomacy, G7 leaders shared concern on the situation of South and East China Seas, where a Asian emerging giant claimed its unilateral interest, or accusation to Russia of its annexation of Crimea. One crucial fact for those seven developed nations was absence of guarantee for effectiveness of their message.

The chair nation of G7 insisted on maritime security. The leaders shared three principles that Japanese Prime Minister had embraced: rules-based maritime order in accordance with the principles of international law, peaceful dispute settlement supported by confidence building and respecting freedom of navigation and overflight. “We are concerned about the situation in the East and South China Sea, and emphasize the fundamental importance of peaceful management and settlement of disputes,” the declaration appealed.

Targeted government immediately responded. Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed strong dissatisfaction against the outcome of G7 meeting. “As a host of G7 Summit, Japan’s hyping up of the South China Sea issue and regional tension does no good to stability of this area, and is incompatible with the role played by the G7 as an economic governance platform for developed countries,” said Spokeswoman, Hua Chunying, in her press conference.

On Ukraine, G7 leaders emphasized their united efforts. “We reiterate our condemnation of the illegal annexation of the Crimean peninsula by Russia and reaffirm our policy of its non-recognition and sanctions against those involved,” the declaration described. Urging all sides to take concrete steps to the complete ceasefire required under the Minsk agreements, G7 leaders expected Russia “to live up to its commitments and use its influence over the separatists to meet their commitments in full.”

Russia regarded the declaration for continued sanction as “absurd.” “The Group of Seven and its leaders are putting the cart before the horse and ignoring the obvious things that need to be addressed by the Ukrainian authorities because it is they who are not fulfilling the Minsk agreements,” told Russian Deputy Foreign Minister, Sergei Ryabkov.

Japanese Prime Minister, Shinzo Abe, wanted to bridge between Russia and G7. He visited Sochi early this month to urge Russian President, Vladimir Putin, full implementation of Minsk agreement. However, the answer from Russia was a derider on absurdity of the demand.