SummitGroup: G7 Leaders Focus on Ukraine War, China in Italy

SummitGroup of Seven (G7) leaders on Thursday commenced their annual summit with focus on Ukraine and its war with Russia.

The group seeks to offer a united face in confronting China's political and economic ambitions.

US President Joe Biden, facing a tough re-election bid in November, arrived in Italy, day after his son Hunter Biden was convicted of gun deal.

The host, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, is riding high after triumphing in Italy's European election last weekend.

For a second year running, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, will attend the summit and is due to sign a new, long-term security accord with Biden.

"By signing this we'll also be sending Russia a signal of our resolve. If (Russian President) Vladimir Putin thinks he can outlast the coalition supporting Ukraine, he's wrong," White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan told reporters.

Speaking on China deal term, Biden is no doubt hoping to persuade Western allies to show greater resolve in confronting Beijing over its support for Russia and its industrial over-capacity.

The European Commission told automakers that it would impose extra duties of up to 38.1% on imported Chinese electric cars from July, less than a month after Washington quadrupled duties for Chinese EVs to 100%.

While G7 leaders are expected to express concern over high Chinese production levels, which they say disrupt global supply chains and market stability, EU diplomats warn that Europe is anxious to avoid a full-blown trade war with Beijing.

The G7 has thrown open its doors to a large number of outsiders this year, including Pope Francis, who is expected to give a keynote speech on Friday on both the risks and potential of AI.
Among those who have also been invited to Puglia are the leaders of India, Brazil, Argentina, Türkiye, Algeria and Kenya.