Japan opposes US proposal to add South Korea to G7
(Baonghean.vn) - Japan has expressed its disagreement with US President Donald Trump's proposal to add South Korea to the group of the world's leading industrialized countries (G7), Kyodo News reported on June 28.
In late May, Trump proposed adding South Korea, along with Australia, India and Russia, to the G7, saying the current members were “outdated” and did not adequately represent current global conditions. Current members include the United States, Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy and Japan.
 |
| South Korean President Moon Jae-in shakes hands with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe before their talks in Chengdu, China, December 24, 2019. Photo: Yonhap |
Citing diplomatic sources, Kyodo News said that Japan conveyed its objections immediately after President Trump proposed expanding the G7 group, citing South Korea's failure to "keep up with G7 members on China and North Korea issues."
According to Kyodo, the US government later discussed with a senior Japanese official, who conveyed the message that Trump would make the final decision on the matter.
Also according to Kyodo News, Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi said on a television program that, “it is important to maintain the organizational structure of the G7, and I believe this is a common consensus.”
Asked about its stance on Japan's response, a South Korean foreign ministry official said: "Any changes to the G7 structure must be discussed among member countries. We know that Washington is considering this internally."
South Korea's ruling Democratic Party lawmaker Song Young-gil expressed "strong regret" to Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe for his "irresponsible actions."
“Abe has been engaging in anti-South Korea politics to boost his approval rating, even though global coordination is needed to combat the Covid-19 pandemic,” Song said in a Facebook post, calling on Tokyo to be “a responsible member of the international community.”
Relations between Seoul and Tokyo are at their worst in years. South Korea had previously welcomed Trump's offer.
In a phone call with his US counterpart, South Korean President Moon Jae-in expressed his willingness to attend the summit if it is held. The US is the rotating host of this year's G7 summit.