The G7 Summit in Hiroshima: Key Issues for the Indo-Pacific

The G7 Summit is an annual meeting of the leaders of the world's seven most advanced democracies: Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States. The summit provides an opportunity for these countries to coordinate their policies and actions on global challenges such as economic growth, climate change, security and health.

This year, Japan is hosting the G7 Summit in Hiroshima, a city that was devastated by a nuclear bomb in 1945 and has since become a symbol of peace and reconciliation. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, who hails from Hiroshima, has chosen this venue to highlight the importance of upholding the rules-based international order and preventing the use of force or coercion in resolving disputes.

One of the main topics on the agenda of the G7 Summit is the situation in the Indo-Pacific region, which encompasses the Indian and Pacific Oceans and their littoral states. The Indo-Pacific is a vital area for global trade, security and prosperity, but also faces multiple challenges and threats from rising tensions, territorial disputes, nuclear proliferation, terrorism, cyberattacks and climate change.

The G7 leaders will discuss how to address these challenges and support a free and open Indo-Pacific that respects international law, human rights and democratic values. They will also explore ways to enhance their cooperation with other regional partners such as Australia, India, South Korea and ASEAN.

Some of the key issues for the Indo-Pacific that will be addressed by the G7 leaders are:

- The rising tensions across the Taiwan Strait and China's increasing assertiveness and military activities in the region. The G7 has expressed concern over China's actions that undermine peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific and violate international norms and commitments. The G7 leaders will reiterate their support for Taiwan's meaningful participation in international organizations and their opposition to any unilateral change of the status quo by force or coercion.

- The nuclear threat posed by North Korea and its continued development of ballistic missiles and weapons of mass destruction. The G7 has urged North Korea to abide by its international obligations and return to dialogue with the international community. The G7 leaders will reaffirm their commitment to the complete, verifiable and irreversible denuclearization of North Korea and call for full implementation of UN Security Council resolutions.

- The impact of climate change on the environment, biodiversity and livelihoods of the Indo-Pacific countries. The G7 has pledged to take ambitious action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and achieve net zero emissions by 2050. The G7 leaders will also discuss how to support developing countries in their adaptation and mitigation efforts and mobilize finance for climate action.

- The recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and its economic and social consequences. The G7 has committed to ensuring equitable access to safe and effective vaccines, diagnostics and therapeutics for all countries. The G7 leaders will also review their progress on delivering their pledges of vaccine doses to low- and middle-income countries through COVAX, a global initiative for vaccine distribution. The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed the fragility of the global health system and the need for more effective cooperation and coordination among countries. The G7 leaders will reaffirm their commitment to ending the pandemic and ensuring equitable access to vaccines, diagnostics and therapeutics for all. They will also discuss how to enhance their preparedness and response capacities for future health emergencies, including by supporting the World Health Organization (WHO) and strengthening its role as the leading authority on global health.

Other issues include:

Advancing a green and digital transformation of the economy

The G7 leaders will address the twin challenges of climate change and digitalization, which are reshaping the global economy and society. They will reaffirm their support for the Paris Agreement on climate change and pledge to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. They will also promote innovation and investment in clean energy, green infrastructure and low-carbon technologies. On digitalization, they will endorse a common framework for data governance, privacy and security, as well as foster digital inclusion and literacy. They will also seek to ensure a fair and rules-based digital trade system that benefits all.

Promoting peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region

The G7 leaders will express their shared vision for a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific region that respects international law and human rights. They will voice their concerns over the rising tensions and threats in the region, especially from North Korea's nuclear and missile programs and China's assertive actions toward Taiwan and in the East and South China Seas. They will also reaffirm their support for regional cooperation mechanisms such as ASEAN, APEC and QUAD. They will emphasize their commitment to enhancing their security cooperation and defense capabilities, as well as expanding their diplomatic engagement and development assistance in the region.

Upholding democracy and human rights

The G7 leaders will reaffirm their values of democracy, rule of law and human rights as the foundation of their partnership. They will condemn any attempts to undermine these values or interfere in their democratic processes. They will also express their solidarity with those who are fighting for freedom and dignity around the world, especially in Belarus, Myanmar, Hong Kong and Xinjiang. They will call for a peaceful resolution of conflicts and crises in Afghanistan, Ethiopia, Libya, Syria, Yemen and elsewhere. They will also support efforts to reform multilateral institutions such as the United Nations, WTO and WHO to make them more effective, accountable and representative.

The G7 Summit in Hiroshima is expected to demonstrate the unity and leadership of the G7 members in addressing the most pressing global challenges of our time. It is also hoped that it will inspire other countries and stakeholders to join forces with them in building a more sustainable, resilient and peaceful future for all.