G7 Agrees to Use Seized Russian Assets to Aid Ukraine, Issues Warning to China (Sankei Shimbun)

The G7 summit's joint statement, adopted on the 14th, reflects a strong awareness of Russia's ongoing invasion of Ukraine and China's support for it. While asserting the legitimacy of using frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine, the statement also expresses a resolute stance against China, viewing it as a factor contributing to the prolongation of the war.

The statement described this support using Russian assets as "reparations" for Ukraine. It emphasized the legitimacy of this action by stating that Russia's "international legal obligation to compensate Ukraine for the damage caused by the invasion is clear." It also asserted that it is "not right for Russia to decide whether or when to pay reparations," implying that Ukraine and Western countries are in a position to determine the timing and method of reparation payments.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen pointed out regarding the utilization of Russian assets, "It is a message that it is not the European taxpayer but Putin (Russian President) who will pay for the consequences of this war of aggression." Amidst the surfacing of "support fatigue" in the West, this statement also seems to aim at suppressing the discontent of citizens who oppose continued support.

Furthermore, the G7 expressed concern in the statement about the reality that sanctions aimed at reducing Russia's capacity to sustain the war, including the prohibition of exports of materials that can be used in weapons manufacturing, are being "undermined" by China. The statement warned of "significant and far-reaching security implications" after stating that China is supporting Russia's defense industry. This is because vital materials supplied from China and other countries to Russia are a concern that could pose a "long-term threat to European security" (U.S. senior official) as well as to Ukraine.

Moreover, it mentioned sanctions against financial institutions and others in China that support Russia's military organization. A European political expert analyzed, "Through the declaration, the G7 warned China and others that collaborating with Russia will also make them subject to sanctions."

Meanwhile, the statement pointed out the necessity of a framework for the responsible development and use of artificial intelligence (AI) in relation to its military application. Concerns have arisen that countries like China, which is intensifying military pressure in the Taiwan Strait, could accelerate the development of autonomous weapon systems (LAWS) utilizing AI. Since the practical application of LAWS could lead to immediate decisions on the use of force, potentially escalating conflicts rapidly, early regulation is required.