G7 foreign ministers meet in Italy to address escalating conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, the International Criminal Court’s warrants against Israeli officials, and the looming change in US administration. The meeting aims to coordinate responses to these complex challenges and seeks to find solutions for a ceasefire in Gaza and Lebanon.
Rumeurs, a new film directed by Guy Maddin and Evan Johnson, is a hilarious and absurd satire of a G7 summit gone wrong. With a star-studded cast including Cate Blanchett and Alicia Vikander, the film promises a wild and unexpected adventure filled with giant brains, peroxide wigs, and sharp wit.
The G7 foreign ministers have strongly condemned Iran’s export of ballistic missiles to Russia, calling it a direct threat to Ukraine and international security. The ministers also reiterated their commitment to holding Iran accountable for its actions and announced that they are implementing new measures in response.
US Secretary of State Tony Blinken has informed his G7 counterparts of a potential attack on Israel by Iran and Hezbollah as early as Monday. He convened a conference call to coordinate with allies and apply diplomatic pressure to limit the retaliation, emphasizing the need to contain the attacks to avoid a full-scale war.
India’s Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal held talks with his counterparts from the EU and UK on the sidelines of the G7 Trade Ministers meeting in Italy, focusing on deeper economic ties and free trade agreements. Discussions also centered on strengthening global supply chains, with Goyal advocating for collaboration among trusted partners and public-private partnerships in critical areas like critical minerals, semiconductors, and green energy.
China has fiercely criticized the Group of Seven (G7) after its leaders issued a statement accusing Beijing of providing weapons components to Russia and engaging in unfair trade practices. China’s foreign ministry spokesman called the statement ‘full of arrogance, prejudice, and lies,’ while also refuting claims of overcapacity and accusing the G7 of acting as a tool for Western hegemony.
China has implemented new rules allowing its Coast Guard to detain foreigners for 60 days without trial in disputed areas of the South China Sea. This move escalates tensions between China and Southeast Asian nations, including the Philippines, which has increased patrolling in the region. The detention rules target foreigners suspected of violating border entry and exit regulations. Meanwhile, the G7 has condemned China’s actions in the South China Sea, calling them ‘dangerous’ and ‘illegal’.
At the G7 summit in Italy, leaders approved a $50 billion loan to Ukraine, backed by interest from frozen Russian assets. The loan, provided by a loan syndicate led by the US, aims to support Ukraine’s ongoing conflict with Russia. The use of frozen assets ensures that the principal amounts remain untouched while allowing Ukraine to access much-needed funds. The liability in case of default would likely fall on the G7 nations involved in the syndicate. The EU has opted to use the profits generated from these assets instead of directly transferring them to Ukraine due to legal complexities. The US has taken a slightly different approach with the REPO Act, allowing the seizure of $5 billion in Russian state assets within the US for Ukraine’s benefit. This loan represents a significant commitment from the G7 countries, highlighting their resolve to support Ukraine against Russian aggression.
