G7 Closes With Talks on China, Meeting with Pope on AI

Facts

• China was the main focus on the final day of the Group of Seven (G7) summit in Italy on Friday, with the day also featuring a historic appearance by Pope Francis, who attended to discuss artificial intelligence (AI).¹
• According to a draft statement, the group of industrial nations voiced qualms over China's alleged unfair business practices. It also states that they want 'free and fair trade' while not trying to 'harm' China or 'thwart its economic development.'²
• The group said it wants a unified front regarding Beijing subsidizing EV and solar panel manufacturers, as well as China's reported restricting of access to minerals used in green technology, such as graphite.³
• Immigration was also discussed, which is particularly important to Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, whose country faces incoming migrants from Africa.¹
• During his meeting with the G7 leaders to discuss AI, Pope Francis said he prays that the emerging technology 'may always serve humankind,' adding that he worries it could also impose 'more injustice[s]' between countries and classes.⁴
• Argentinian Pres. Javier Milei, Turkish Pres. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, and Brazilian Pres. Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva also joined the meeting with the Pope, with US Pres. Biden expected to hold a private meeting with him to discuss Ukraine, the Israel-Hamas war, and climate change.⁵

Sources: ¹Reuters, ²ABC News, ³France 24, ⁴Axios and ⁵New York Post.

Narratives

• Anti-China narrative, as provided by The White House. While the G7 is focused on promoting fair trade practices in all corners of the globe, China has emerged as a major economic threat when it comes to EVs. Beijing is also at the heart of the debt crisis currently faced by many countries, to which it has slow-walked its contributions to debt restructuring. China should foster a welcoming economic environment instead of trying to cheat its way to the top.
• Pro-China narrative, as provided by Global Times. China isn't violating trade laws but rather utilizing its large-scale manufacturing base to produce mass amounts of quality EVs. Since the G7 has decided to complain rather than compete, Beijing may now be forced to place tariffs on their cars sold in China, which is in line with international law and will hurt them dearly. Western leaders have exposed their weakness on the global stage, and it will only become more apparent as this trade war continues.

Predictions