By: Thomas I. Likness
EBC News Service

(Eagle News) — Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says G7 countries have agreed to a more coordinated approach to the challenges they face from China.

“What we really came together clearly to say and put forward today was a need to speak with one voice, a need to coordinate much more closely our working together and our focus,” Trudeau said Sunday at a closing news conference following the G7 Leaders Summit.

He says one example was an offer by G7 countries to help poorer countries develop their infrastructure.

Trudeau says that could rival China’s Belt and Road initiative which has seen China invest in nearly 70 countries and international organizations since 2013.

But Trudeau says there are other issues that need to be addressed as well.

“There are areas where we need to challenge China directly, for example on human rights,” he said. “So a firm united position such as the one we established here at the G7 will continue to show our approach based on shared values and respect for international rights is good not just for us but the planet.”

On the subject of the two Michaels — Canadians Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor — Trudeau said the Chinese are hurting themselves by arbitrarily detaining the two men.

“This approach is not just harming their standing in the global economy, but is also harming their own interests,” said Trudeau. “It is counterproductive for China to be engaging in this and that is something that we are all speaking with one voice on.”
(Eagle News Service)