The Group of Seven (G7) on Tuesday urged China to put pressure on Russia to stop its aggression in Ukraine following a meeting of the bloc’s foreign ministers on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly and released a joint statement.
The statement, issued by the foreign ministry of G7 chair Japan, stated that the members hoped China would press for Russia’s rapid, total, and unconditional departure from Ukraine.
The declaration comes as China’s top diplomat, Wang Yi, travels to Russia for a four-day visit during which both countries are anticipated to pledge stronger political ties, with President Vladimir Putin possibly visiting Beijing.
“The G7 countries also appreciated China’s involvement in Jeddah, which was organized by Ukraine, and further encouraged China to support a just and lasting peace, including through its direct dialogue with Ukraine”, the statement reads.
Last week, Putin met North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in Moscow for talks that featured greater military cooperation, which alarmed the United States and other Western-aligned countries.
Both Pyongyang and Moscow have denied that North Korea might supply arms to Russia, which has depleted massive stores in more than 18 months of war.
According to the joint statement, the G7 nations reiterated their call on third parties to cease any and all assistance to Russia’s war of aggression or face severe consequences.
Also read: Top Diplomats From Russia And China Meet In Moscow To Discuss Ukraine War And US
