G7 to step up pressure on China – Bloomberg

The group is expected to vow to take “appropriate measures” over Beijing’s alleged military support of Russia, according to a draft communique

The Group of Seven (G7) nations are set to ramp up pressure on China over its alleged military support of Russia in the Ukraine conflict, according to Bloomberg.

The report on Monday comes as G7 foreign ministers are meeting in Italy on Monday and Tuesday to discuss a range of issues and confirm their “unwavering commitment” for Kiev.

The outlet cited an early draft of a communique that is set to be released at the meeting’s conclusion. It reportedly claims that the G7 ministers are expected to vow “appropriate measures consistent with our legal systems, against actors in China and in other third countries” who support Russia’s “war machine.” 

If adopted, it would represent a “stronger tone” on China compared with the previous foreign ministerial meeting in April, when the G7 urged Beijing to “ensure” that it stops supplying Moscow with dual-use weapons, Bloomberg wrote.

Dual-use items mean goods, technologies, and services that may be used either for civil purposes or for military purposes or to contribute to an increase in military potential, especially to design, develop, produce, or use weapons of mass destruction and their means of delivery.

The report indicated that Kiev’s supporters are seeking to clamp down on any alleged military support to Moscow, particularly before US President-elect Donald Trump takes office in January. Trump has repeatedly vowed to quickly put an end to the Ukraine conflict, although he has not revealed any details of his plan for resolving the crisis.

Last month, the US imposed sanctions on two Chinese firms that manufacture drone engines and parts, claiming those companies ship their products to Russia.

Beijing has repeatedly denied providing weapons to Moscow and has called for a diplomatic solution to the Ukraine conflict.

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Following the accusations, in July, China introduced a ban on the export of all civilian drones that could potentially be used for military purposes. This month, China’s Ministry of Commerce issued a list for export control of dual-use items, which will take effect on December 1.

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock last week threatened Beijing with sanctions over allegedly supporting Moscow, while another senior EU official cited “reports from intelligence sources” that were “convincing” and “credible.” 

China has dismissed the accusations as “baseless speculation and vilification,” insisting that it “handles the export of military products prudently and responsibly.” 

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian has said that Beijing “upholds an objective and just position” regarding the Ukraine conflict and has actively promoted peace talks, which stands in “sharp contrast with certain countries who apply double standards and keep adding fuel to the fire on the Ukraine crisis.”