China: G20 platform meant to discuss economy, not Ukraine
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Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson has urged the G20 to stick to its mandate.
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Beijing says the G20 platform should be used to discuss economy
According to Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian, the G20 forum should be utilized to debate the economy, not the Ukrainian conflict.
The G7 countries said on Thursday that Russia should not receive funds from international financial institutions such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank, and they also condemned Russia's participation in international forums such as this week's G20, IMF, and World Bank meetings.
"We took note of the corresponding statement of the G7 nations. The G20 and relevant international organizations are platforms for discussing international financial and economic issues, not the Ukrainian problem," Zhao said at a briefing in response to the G7 nations' statement against Russia's participation in the G20 events.
Zhao stated that under the current conditions, the G20 is shouldering significant obligations in developing worldwide anti-pandemic cooperation, as well as ensuring global economic stability and recovery.
He urged the G20 to stick to its mandate, strengthen solidarity and cooperation, and work toward a coordinated response to major concerns such as global public health and economic and financial issues.
On the other hand, Russian President Vladimir Putin has yet to determine whether he will attend the G20 Summit in the Indonesian province of Bali in November, according to his spokesperson.
"We will inform you about our decision as soon as it is made. No decision has been made yet," Dmitry Peskov told reporters at a daily briefing.
Indonesian Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati stated on Thursday that invitations had been given to all G20 leaders, including President Putin, as the country holds the rotating leadership of the group of 20 major world economies.
US, UK to boycott parts of G20 to avoid Russia
The US and UK had announced that they would boycott parts of the G20 finance ministers' summit because of the planned participation of the Russian minister.
The US had called for Russia's expulsion from the G20, launching an unprecedented boycott of it because of the war in Ukraine.
Russian Finance Minister Anton Siluanov will head Moscow's delegation at the event in Washington and will participate via video link.
US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen was clear that she was not planning "to attend events or meetings that the Russians are participating in," White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said in a briefing on Monday.
Yellen had previously pledged to boycott any events involving Russia and also called for Moscow's full expulsion from the G20. Indonesia, which is hosting the club this year, confirmed that it had already invited Moscow and that Russian President Vladimir Putin would attend.
The Treasury Secretary will only attend the opening session of the G20, will use it to show support for Ukraine, and will meet with Ukrainian PM Denis Shmyhal.
