G-7 statement 'to cite maritime rule of law'

An outline of the statement the meeting will adopt at the conclusion of the talks says the G-7 countries will express concern about unilateral moves attempting to change the status quo in the East China Sea and the South China Sea, the sources said.

 

The statement will also likely include Japan’s stance on promoting investments in high-quality infrastructure.

 

In descriptions about the waters involved, while avoiding naming China, the statement is expected to express opposition to moves to unilaterally change the status quo.

 

China has repeatedly intruded into Japanese territorial waters around the Senkaku Islands of Okinawa Prefecture in the East China Sea. In the South China Sea, the country has reclaimed rock reefs on the Spratly Islands and attempted to turn the islets into military bases.

 

The G-7 statement apparently will be aimed at deterring China from such moves, according to the sources.

 

Investments in high-quality infrastructure is a policy initiated by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. By making it an international standard regarding investments in high-quality infrastructure that considerations must be made for the environment and human rights, the statement aims to pressure the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, which will be established under China’s leadership, the sources said.

 

Regarding economic policies, the statement is seen stipulating the promotion of trade talks, including the Trans-Pacific Partnership free trade agreement.

 

Concerning the situation in Ukraine, where conflicts have continued, the statement is expected to demand that all concerned parties completely comply with a ceasefire agreement.

 

The statement is also expected to reiterate a denunciation of Russia’s annexation of the Crimea. Eyeing sanctions on Russia, the G-7 statement will likely confirm that member countries will maintain necessary actions.

 

Regarding measures to cope with terrorism, the statement will denounce atrocious acts by terrorist groups, including the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), and stipulate that G-7 member countries will closely cooperate regarding terrorism, the sources said.

 

The statement is also seen denouncing North Korea’s continuing development of nuclear weapons and missiles, and expressing concern about the country’s human rights abuses.

 

Abe to stress climate, infrastructure, health

 

By Takashi Imai / Yomiuri Shimbun Correspondent

 

WASHINGTON — Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is to call on leaders of the Group of Seven to address “three key issues” — quality infrastructure, climate change and health and medicine — during the G-7 summit to be held in Germany on Sunday and Monday, it has been learned from an article Abe contributed to the commentary section of CNN’s website on Friday.

 

“There are three key issues that I will be emphasizing at the G-7 [summit meeting], issues where I believe Japan can play a central role,” Abe wrote in the article, “Shinzo Abe: 3 big challenges facing the world,” on the website.

 

Abe pointed out the advantage of high-quality infrastructure, writing: “[W]hile quality new infrastructure might at first seem costly, in the long run it will prove to be more cost-effective, more durable, more resistant to natural disasters, and more environmentally friendly, too.”

 

Explaining a project in which the Japan-led Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the government will provide infrastructure financing of about $110 billion (about ¥14 trillion) within Asia over the next five years, Abe seemed to be showing a sense of rivalry against the China-led Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB).

 

Regarding the climate change issue, Abe explained his government’s goal of a 26 percent reduction in greenhouse gases emitted in the nation by fiscal 2030 compared to fiscal 2013.

 

“It is our generation’s duty to pass along a beautiful planet to future generations,” Abe wrote.

 

He emphasized the importance of supporting developing countries regarding health and medicine issues as well.Speech