Ukraine, Russia, China to be focus of G7 meeting in Germany

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The G7 group of affluent nations is set to underline its support for Ukraine in its struggle against Russia on Thursday at a conference in western Germany, with China and Iran also on the agenda.

The G7 Foreign Ministers' meeting is a "vital coordinating mechanism" taking place at an "important time," according to a senior US State Department official, as the world grapples with a number of challenges from North Korea to Ukraine.

The two-day meeting in the German city of Münster coincides with political unrest in several G7 countries, notably Italy and the UK.

Speaking under the condition of anonymity, a different US diplomat said it was an opportunity to make sure everyone was on the same page. According to sources, the ministers at G7 would discuss "ways in which we can support Ukraine", including but not limited to financial and military aid. 
 
According to the same source, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba is supposed to address the G7 meeting virtually on Thursday.

 On Thursday, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and his German colleague Annalena Baerbock will meet in-person. Blinken landed in Munster on Wednesday night. After that, the two ministers will participate in a conference on "the future of democracy in a digital age."

Furthermore, a working dinner will be held to discuss relations with China before German Chancellor Olaf Scholz departs for a contentious trip to Beijing.

Earlier on Wednesday, Scholz emphasized that he would "not ignore controversies" while traveling.
 
Additionally, a senior US diplomat said "what we've seen over the last couple of years is increasing alignment between us and Europe on the challenges posed by China". 
 
But Scholz's planned visit has nevertheless been met with skepticism from Washington.

Germany's Scholz visits China to boost cooperation, political trust

German Chancellor Olaf Sfcholz's visit to China will kick-start developments regarding Chinese-German cooperation, according to Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian on Tuesday.

"I am confident that this visit will grant a new impetus to the development of China-Germany relations of comprehensive strategic partnership, as well as contribute to peace and stability in the whole world," Zhao said, noting that strengthening relations and political trust would meet the interests of both Berlin and Beijing. 

This would mark the first visit by an EU leader to China since the COVID-19 outbreak of 2019, making it also the first time Scholz visits China since he assumed office, according to Zhao.

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