At the G7 Summit in Hiroshima, a key theme is China. There’s the symbolism of meeting in a city devastated by nuclear aggression, across a sea from a country that constantly displays its military prowess. There’s the proximity, too, to Taiwan, the fate of which is a running sore for China – one that shows no sign of abating.
The location provides added piquancy, but that is all. The truth is, it would not matter where the leaders assembled – China and how to deal with Beijing would be high on their agenda.
The fact, as well, is that they don’t know what to do. On the one hand, they fear China’s ambition and not only towards Taiwan. Wherever you go in the world where there are natural resources and commodities to be secured, you will likely come across the hand of Beijing. It’s got its sights on everything it might one day need, from vital minerals to essential foodstuffs. Items that it could, one day, deny to the rest.
China is everywhere; in real estate, finance, data, software, tech. Combine that with a regime that rules through repression – that exhibits a singular approach to human rights – and the recipe is set for conflict.
Dealing with this ever-present tension, how to avoid it escalating and what to do if it does is what occupies politicians and their officials in the world’s capitals and wherever leaders gather. China, many leaders feel, is not to be trusted. But how to resist its overtures, especially if they come laden with money, is not easy.
This story is from the May 20, 2023 edition of The Independent.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the May 20, 2023 edition of The Independent.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Patients at risk of assault in mixed-sex wards scandal
The use of mixed-sex wards has gone “through the roof” after the number of men and women being put in beds next to each other soared to nearly its highest level in a decade.
Tory plot to oust Sunak and install Mordaunt as new PM
Conservative rebels hatching a '100 days to save Britain' plan
In make-or-break week, PM isn't master of his own fate
It’s another case of one step forward, two steps back for Rishi Sunak.
Losing mayoral duo would 'set Tory vultures circling'
Rishi Sunak has been warned that losses in the Tees Valley and West Midlands mayoral elections would “set the vultures circling”, with restless Tory MPs agitating for a leadership challenge.
Legal migration to Britain a bigger scandal, Jenrick says
Former immigration minister Robert Jenrick has called for a cap on net immigration, claiming a “far more restrictive system” is needed.
Will growing pressure cause Tories to cap net migration?
With a general election approaching and Rishi Sunak’s position looking increasingly perilous, pressure is growing on the prime minister to announce an overhaul of Britain’s immigration laws.
Ireland planning new law to send migrants back to UK
Irish premier Simon Harris has asked his justice minister to bring forward emergency legislation to allow Ireland to send asylum seekers back to the UK.
'I will find out who you are and rape and kill you'
Women gamers reveal extent of threats driving them offline
Wet weather could see cost of beer and biscuits spiral
The price of bread, beer and biscuits may rise this year as research suggests the unusually wet weather seen over autumn and winter could hit UK harvests by almost a fifth.
More human remains found after Salford torso discovery
Police have discovered more human remains in two locations after widening a murder investigation in a nature reserve in Salford following the discovery of a torso.