G7 issued Its Strongest Condemnation Yet Of China

G7 issues strongest condemnation of China as it intensifies response to Beijing https://t.co/5tdvGKlFqa

— Financial Times (@FT) May 20, 2023

Evening Standard: G7 issues condemnation of China as it intensifies response to Beijing 

The G7 issued its strongest condemnation yet of China on Saturday, criticising the country’s “economic coercion” and urged a “peaceful solution” to tensions across the Taiwan Strait. 

In a joint statement, the G7 countries said they were concerned about China’s actions in the South China Sea and that they “strongly oppose any unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force or coercion.” 

The communique, released at the start of the three-day summit in Japan, added that they were prepared to build “constructive and stable" relations with Beijing while reducing their dependence on trade with the world’s second largest economy. 

The joint statement drew a quick reaction from Beijing, which complained to Japan as the summit organiser.  

Read more .... 

Update #1: G7 leaders discuss China's 'economic coercion' threat (NBC)  

Update #2: G7 urges China to ‘play by the rules’ citing ‘economic coercion’ (Al Jazeera) 

Update #3: G-7 Leaders Respond To China’s Economic Bullying At Hiroshima Summit, Warn Of 'Consequences' (Zero Hedge/Epoch Times) 

Update #4: The G7 is accusing China of 'economic coercion.' Here's why. (Business Insider) 

WNU Editor: Beijing has responded .... Beijing blasts G7 for hyping up China-related issues, interfering in China's internal affairs (Global Times). More here .... China expresses 'strong dissatisfaction' with G7 communique (CNA).

Ukraine President Zelensky Arrives In Japan For Last-Minute Visit To G7 Summit

 

Reuters: Zelenskiy in Japan as G7 takes aim at Russia, China 

HIROSHIMA, Japan (Reuters) - Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelenskiy brought his call for support against Russia's invasion to a Group of Seven (G7) summit on Saturday on Japan, where leaders agreed to tighten sanctions against Moscow and pare back exposure to China. 

* G7 leaders said they had ensured that Ukraine had the budget support it needs for this year and early 2024. 

"Today we are taking new steps to ensure that Russia’s illegal aggression against the sovereign state of Ukraine fails and to support the Ukrainian people in their quest for a just peace rooted in respect for international law," they said in a statement.  

Read more ....  

WNU Editor: Here is an easy prediction. 

The media attention will be on Zelensky's G7 visit, and there are going to be numerous photos-ops and videos of Zelensky meeting G7 leaders. 

But while all of this is going on, the media are going to ignore the reports that are now coming in that the remaining Ukrainian forces in Bakhmut, a battle that has been raging for 9 months and has resulted in the deaths of tens of thousands of Ukrainian soldiers, have either surrendered, fled, or been killed.

 Ukraine President Zelensky Arrives In Japan For Last-Minute Visit To G7 Summit  

Ukraine’s Zelenskyy arrives in Hiroshima for G7 summit as world leaders sanction Russia -- AP  

G7 summit: Ukraine’s Zelenskiy arrives in Japan as he bids to boost western support for Kyiv -- The Guardian 

G7 summit: Leaders talk China, Zelenskyy arrives in Japan -- DW 

Zelensky arrives at G7 summit as leaders call out China -- BBC  

Zelensky arrives in Hiroshima for last-minute visit to G7 summit -- Washington Post  

Zelensky makes dramatic Japan appearance as G7 leaders take aim at Russia and China -- CNN 

Ukraine's Zelensky arrives in Hiroshima for G7 summit as leaders sanction Russia -- LA Times  

Ukrainian President Zelenskyy arrives in Japan for 2023 G-7 Summit: 'Peace will become closer today' -- FOX News  

Zelenskiy Meets With India’s Modi on Sidelines of G-7 Summit -- Bloomberg 

France's Macron: Zelenskiy's Japan visit a 'game changer' -- Reuters

Ukraine President Zelensky To Attend G7 Summit In Person On Sunday

 

Daily Mail: Zelensky to attend G7 summit in person as leaders unveil another round of sanctions on Russia in attempt to cripple Putin's war machine and end invasion 

* Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is now expected to attend the G7 summit in Hiroshima in person 

* Zelensky will also stop by the Arab League Summit in Saudi Arabia 

* Comes as G7 leaders plan new round of sanctions on Russia 

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is now expected to attend the G7 summit in Hiroshima in person, where he is likely to make asks for additional military aid. 

Zelensky's participation has been rumored for days and comes as G7 leaders plan to announce a new round of tough economic sanctions on Russia in an attempt to cripple Vladimir Putin to the point where he could end the war in Ukraine. 

The Financial Times first confirmed Zelensky would make the trip to Japan, reporting that he would be engaged in meetings on Sunday. The report said Zelensky would attempt to shore up support with non-G7 countries  

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WNU Editor: I said yesterday that due to the worsening war situation in Ukraine, Zelensky was not going to travel to the G7 summit in Japan. My Ukrainian cousin told me last night that it was because of the worsening war situation in the country that Zelensky was going to travel to Japan to attend the G7 summit. 

My cousin was right.

Update: Ukraine President Zelensky has just made a stopover in Saudi Arabia .... Live: Zelensky thanks Saudi Arabia for supporting Ukraine at Arab League summit (France 24). 

Ukraine President Zelensky To Attend G7 Summit In Person On Sunday  

Biden endorses F-16 training for Ukrainians as Zelenskyy is set to attend G7 summit -- AP  

Zelensky to attend G7 in Japan as bloc targets Russia 'war machine' -- France 24 

G7 summit: Zelensky to travel to Japan to take part in G7 summit, reports say -- BBC  

Ukraine's President Zelenskyy to attend G7 in Japan, as Hiroshima summit begins -- Euronews  

Zelenskyy will make in-person appeal to G7 leaders in Japan -- Politico.eu

Another 'Senior' Moment For President Biden In Japan

WHERE DO WE STAND? President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden (center) try to figure out which marking on the floor to stand on as they pose for a picture with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida (left) and his wife, Yuko Kishida (right) 

Daily Mail: Lost in Japan! Confused-looking Biden, 80, is directed to his spot by Japanese PM Kishida as he kicks off G7 summit in Hiroshima 

* Joe and Jill visiting the Peace Park and Memorial Museum 

* Slight kerfuffle when he didn't know where to stand in photo-op 

* 'We'll figure it out,' Jill Biden said President Joe Biden and Jill Biden needed a little guidance

Friday morning when they fumbled around during a photo-op, getting turned around as they tried to find their spot. 

Japanese Prime Minister Kishida stepeped in to direct them as the first couple posed with him and his wife Yuko during the first day of the G7 summit in Hiroshima. 

Biden, 80, and the first lady were joining other G7 leaders Friday morning for a tour of Hiroshima's Peace Park and Memorial Museum.  

Read more .... 

WNU Editor: He should be using a cane .... Biden stumbles while going to greet (Daily Mail).

World Leaders Land In Hiroshima For G-7 Meeting

 

 CNBC: As G-7 Summit kicks off in Hiroshima, China and Russia are on everyone’s minds 

* The Group of 7 will meet at a crucial time for slowing global growth as a result of hawkish central banks aiming to bring down inflation. 

* Leaders will discuss international trade and security as the world grapples with an ongoing war in Ukraine and worries over U.S.-China decoupling persist. 

The annual Group of 7 summit officially kicks off on Friday in Hiroshima, Japan. 

Leaders of the seven major industrial democracies – Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, United Kingdom, and United States – will discuss the future of global relations and the world economy as it faces a number of uncertainties: growing geopolitical tensions, central banks’ combat against rising inflation and a U.S. debt ceiling deadlock. 

Also under the spotlight are the countries invited for the gathering, including Australia, Brazil, India, Indonesia, South Korea, and Vietnam – nations with pivotal roles to play in regional alliances as the rift between Washington and Beijing deepens. 

 Read more ....  

WNU editor: I doubt Zelensky is going to show up .... Zelensky may attend G7 summit in Hiroshima depending on battlefield situation - Zhovkva (Ukrinform). All my Ukraine sources tell me the war is not going well. Now is not the time for Zelensky to go to Asia.

World Leaders Land In Hiroshima For G-7 Meeting  

World leaders land in Hiroshima for G-7 meeting, with Ukraine war high on agenda -- AP  

G7 leaders to discuss idea of international peace summit over Ukraine - EU official -- Reuters  

World leaders land in Hiroshima for G-7 meeting, with Ukraine war high on agenda -- The Hill  

At the G7 summit in Hiroshima, all eyes will be on 'Ukraine, Ukraine, Ukraine' -- Japan Times  

US default, China decoupling hang heavy over Hiroshima -- Asia Times  

G-7 Hiroshima summit: Who’s attending, what will be discussed? -- AP

US President Biden Is In Japan For G7 Summit

 

CNN: Biden arrives in Japan and meets with prime minister ahead of G7 

President Joe Biden arrived in Japan on Thursday for a truncated Asia visit meant to bolster allies amid China’s growing military and economic ambitions. 

The trip, once planned for eight days, has been shortened by half; two of Biden’s three stops were scrapped so he could return to Washington for negotiations over raising the US debt ceiling. 

Left with only a stop in Japan for the Group of Seven summit, Biden is attempting to coalesce the leaders of some of the world’s largest economies around a commitment to take on Beijing’s aggressions and support Ukraine amid Russia’s invasion.  

Read more .... 

 Update #1: Biden, Japan’s Kishida meet ahead of G-7 summit, vowing to ‘stand strong’ against global threats -- AP 

Update #2: US President Joe Biden arrives in Japan for G7 summit -- Al Jazeera  

WNU Editor: On the agenda will be the Russia - Ukraine war, China, Taiwan, and the global economy.

G7 Nations Considering Near-Total Ban On Exports To Russia

Japan Times/Kyodo: G7 considers almost complete ban on exports to Russia 

The Group of Seven countries are considering banning almost all exports to Russia, in an extension of the sanctions regime against Moscow for its ongoing invasion of Ukraine, a Japanese government source said Friday. 

Japan is set to host the G7 summit in May in Hiroshima, where discussions will take place on measures to expand support to Ukraine and strengthen sanctions on Russia among other key topics. 

The G7 countries have already stopped exports to Russia of a wide range of items, including products that can be used for military purposes and luxury goods. But the latest plan could expand the trade embargo to used cars, tires, cosmetic items and clothing, the source said.  

Read more ....  

Update #1: G-7 nations considering near-total ban on exports to Russia - Kyodo (Reuters) 

Update #2: G7 Allies Consider Outright Ban Of All Exports To Russia (Zero Hedge)  

WNU Editor: I see this "consideration" as an acknowledgement by the West that sanctions have failed. But instead of maybe searching for an alternative policy, the G-7 is now doubling down on stupid with the hope that this will cripple the world's resource superpower.

G7 Diplomats In Japan To Discuss Ukraine, China, And North Korea

A working session at a G7 Foreign Ministers Meeting, at the City Hall in Muenster, Germany November 4, 2022. (photo credit: Bernd Lauter/Pool via REUTERS)

Bloomberg: China Tensions High on Agenda as G-7 Diplomats Meet in Japan 

(Bloomberg) -- Tensions over China will be high on the agenda as top diplomats from Group of Seven nations meet over the next two days in Japan, according to a senior State Department official. 

Geopolitical challenges in Asia are set to come into greater focus now that Japan holds the rotating G-7 presidency, the official told reporters ahead of the foreign ministers’ meeting, which comes about a month before US President Joe Biden and other leaders will head to Hiroshima for the annual leaders summit. 

Tensions over Taiwan in particular are demanding attention after China again held military drills around the island following President Tsai Ing-wen’s meeting with US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy. 

Around the same time, French President Emmanuel Macron said the European Union should avoid being dragged into a dispute with China by the US, highlighting divisions within the bloc.  

Read more .... 

G7 Diplomats In Japan To Discuss Ukraine, China, And North Korea  

G7 diplomats to grapple with Ukraine, China, N. Korea crises -- AP  

G7 top diplomats in Japan to talk Ukraine, China -- AFP  

Security of Europe, Indo-Pacific in focus as G7 foreign ministers gather -- Reuters  

G-7 holds meeting as Russia, China, and North Korea pose major threats -- CSM

Oxfam Condemns G7 For Its Lack Of Action On Food Costs And Shortages That Will ‘Leave Millions To Starve’

Oxfam International: G7 failure to tackle hunger crisis will leave millions to starve 

Responding to news of the $4.5 billion pledge made by the G7 leaders to tackle global hunger, Max Lawson, Head of Inequality Policy at Oxfam said: 

“Faced with the worst hunger crisis in a generation, the G7 have simply failed to take the action that is needed. Many millions will face terrible hunger and starvation as a result.” 

“Instead of doing what is needed, the G7 are leaving millions to starve and cooking the planet.”  

Read more ....  

Update #1: Oxfam condemns G7 for ‘leaving millions to starve’ (RT)  

Update #2: Oxfam Condemns G7 for Leaving 'Millions to Starve' as Global Hunger Surges (Common Dreams)  

WNU Editor: Oxfam has a point. With the exception of the Russia - Ukraine war, this G7 summit ignored a number of global issues/crisis that need to be addressed right now. 

Inflation, food shortages and high prices, energy shortages and high prices, the general cost of living, unsustainable debt levels, and the breakdown of supply chains. The G7 was completely AWOL. To say that this two-day summit was a disappointment is an understatement.

Ukraine President Zelenskiy Calls On G7 Leaders To Help End The War By Winter

 

Daily Mail: Ukraine's President Zelensky appeals to Biden to declare Russia a state sponsor of terrorism during video conference with G7 leaders as he asks for urgent help to end the war by winter 

* Zelensky will warn G7 leaders Monday that they cannot delay weapons deliveries 

* His forces are outgunned by Russian troops in the east of Ukraine 

* It also emerged that the U.S. has bought an advanced missile defense system 

* The Norwegian NASAMS would provide medium to long-range defense

 Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky used a video call with G7 leaders on Monday to demand that the U.S. declare Russia to be a state sponsor of terrorism for its war in Ukraine, according to his office. 

The war in Ukraine dominated several sessions of the G7 summit in southern Germany. And the Ukrainian president appealed directly to President Joe Biden and his fellow leaders in their first session on Monday morning, asking for their help in ending the war before the bitter winter months.  

Read more ....  

WNU Editor: Ukraine President Zelensky has a point. Europe's energy crisis is going to get worse in the coming months, and Zelensky knows that this will result in European governments putting pressure on him to make a deal to end the war. 

 Ukraine President Zelenskiy Calls On G7 Leaders To Help End The War By Winter 

Zelensky tells G-7 summit Ukraine forces face urgent moment -- AP  

Zelensky Urges G7 To Help End Ukraine War by Winter -- Moscow Times/AFP  

Zelenskiy calls on G7 leaders to help end war in Ukraine by winter -- The Guaridan 

Ukraine war: Zelenskyy says he wants war over by winter before conditions make fightback more difficult as G7 leaders reaffirm their support -- SKY News  

G7 leaders work to ‘starve’ Russia of oil money as Zelensky says he wants the war over by the end of the year -- CNN  

Zelensky asks G7 leaders for air defense system, more sanctions -- NYPost  

Zelensky sets deadline for Russia-Ukraine conflict – media -- RT

G-7 Leaders Commit To Indefinitely Support Ukraine

US President Joe Biden attends a working lunch with other G7 leaders to discuss shaping the global economy at the Yoga Pavilion, Schloss Elmau in Kuren, Germany, on Jun 26, 2022. (Photo: Kenny Holston/Pool via REUTERS)  

Bloomberg: G-7 Latest: Leaders to Commit to Indefinite Support for Ukraine 

 (Bloomberg) -- Group of Seven leaders will commit to providing indefinite support to Ukraine for its defense against Russia’s invasion, according to the text of a draft statement from their summit in Bavaria. 

“We will continue to provide financial, humanitarian, military and diplomatic support and stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes,” the text of a draft statement seen by Bloomberg said. The wording is important because members of the alliance are concerned about the war dragging on and some, including Germany and France, have hinted that they may be more open to the idea of a negotiated cease-fire.  

Read more ....  

Update #1: G7 leaders agree to support Ukraine indefinitely – Bloomberg (RT)  

Update #2: G7 Foreign Ministers assure Ukraine of military assistance for as long as necessary (Ukrinform)  

WNU Editor: The G-7's commitment to support Ukraine is there, but there is a problem when it comes to providing weapons and ammunition. Most countries no longer have the stockpiles to send to Ukraine.

G7 Leaders Mock Russian President Putin During The G7 Summit

 

Daily Mail: 'We've got to show them our pecs!' G7 leaders mock Putin's 'bare-chested horseback riding' as they joke about being 'tougher' than Russian leader 

* G7 leaders mocked Vladimir Putin as they sat down to lunch 

* 'We have to show that we're tougher than Putin,' British PM Boris Johnson said 

* Canadian PM Justin Trudeau then added: 'We're going to get the bare chested horseback riding display' 

* Johnson can then be heard on footage saying: 'We've got to show them our pecs' 

* Laughter came as Biden tries to hold allies firm in opposition to Putin 

* Biden earlier slammed Russia for its bombing of Kyiv 

* 'It's more of their barbarism,' he said 

The leaders of the G7 mocked Russian President Vladimir Putin on Sunday as they sat down to lunch, joking about his infamous barechested horseback riding photo. 

Their laughter came as President Joe Biden is working to hold the western alliance in lockstep as the war in Ukraine entered its fifth month and Russia dropped bombs on Kyiv for the first time in weeks. 

'Jackets on? Jackets off? Shall we take our clothes off?' British Prime Minister Boris Johnson asked as he sat down at the table with his fellow leaders of the world's biggest economies.  

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WNU Editor: For their official dinner the G7 and EU leaders took off their jackets (see below).

For their official dinner, the G7 leaders took off their jackets: Left to right - Italy's Prime Minister Mario Draghi, European Council President Charles Michel, Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, French President Emmanuel Macron, Germany's Chancellor Olaf Scholz, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, US President Joe Biden, Britain's Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida

G7 Leaders Unveil $600 Billion Infrastructure Plan To Tackle Chinese Influence

 

Daily Mail: G7 leaders unveil $600 billion infrastructure plan to tackle Chinese influence: President Biden promises $200 billion in funding for solar farms, vaccine plants and communications links around the world 

* G7 leaders unveiled a $600 billion plan to take on China's massive infrastructure projects at their summit in Germany on Sunday afternoon 

* It comes amid growing alarm that Beijing is winning influence by building roads, bridges and airports throughout the developing world 

* The White House said Biden is committing $200 billion for the initiative 

* They include solar projects in Angola and a vaccine plant in Senegal 

* Officials said they offered a better deal than China's debt-laden projects 

The White House announced plans on Sunday to raise $200 billion for solar projects in Angola, an undersea telecommunications cable linking the Far East with France via Egypt, and nuclear power production in Romania as part of a huge G7 infrastructure plan designed to compete with China's massive Belt and Road initiative. 

The proposals were unveiled on the first day of the G7 summit in Germany, where world leaders met to discuss the global economy and Russia's war in Ukraine. 

In all, G7 nations will commit $600 billion to the effort over the next five years, President Joe Biden announced, calling the investment a humanitarian, economic and security concern.  

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WNU Editor: The U.S. has problems with its infrastructure. Canada (where I live) included. But they want spend hundreds of billions elsewhere?!?!?!? 

G7 Leaders Unveil $600 Billion Infrastructure Plan To Tackle Chinese Influence  

Biden urges Western unity on Ukraine amid war fatigue -- AP  

G7 aims to raise $600 billion to counter China's Belt and Road -- Reuters 

G7 leaders launch infrastructure fund to counter Chinese influence -- DW 

G-7 unveils $600B plan to combat China’s global reach -- Politico  

Biden commits $200 billion to global infrastructure plan meant to counter China -- The Hill  

U.S. to contribute $200 billion to G7 infrastructure partnership -- Axios  

G7 relaunches funding programme for developing countries under new name -- The Guardian

US President Biden Arrives In Germany For G7 And NATO Summits On The Russia - Ukraine War

President Joe Biden arrived in Germany on Saturday night for the G7 summit, he was greeted by Bavarian Prime Minister Markus Soeder and people in traditional German dress  

Daily Mail: Biden's Bavarian welcome: President signs guest book and is given flowers by local kids as he arrives in Germany for G7 and NATO summits on Russia's brutal Ukraine invasion 

* Biden arrived in Germany on Saturday evening for G7 meeting 

* He was greeted by people in traditional guest, signed the guest book and received flowers from two children in traditional dress 

* Russia's invasion of Ukraine is a major topic of the G7 summit 

* After G7, Biden leaves Tuesday for NATO meeting in Madrid 

 * President Zelensky of Ukraine is due to address both meetings by video link 

* Biden plans to use the summits to increase pressure on Russia to end its war 

President Joe Biden arrived in Europe on Saturday to kick off two major international summits where world leaders will discuss the next steps in helping Ukraine battle the Russian invasion. 

He landed in Germany for a meeting of G7 leaders - the heads of the top seven economies - and then heads for Madrid for a NATO summit.

Biden exited Air Force One to a red carpet welcome - complete with flags flying and a band playing. A large group of people in traditional Bavarian dress greeted him, along with Bavarian Prime Minister Markus Soder.

Read more ....  

Update #1: Biden’s mission in Europe: Shore up alliance against Russia (AP)  

Update #2: Biden arrives in Europe to keep allies united against Russia as a grinding war in Ukraine takes its toll (CNN)  

WNU Editor: The White House says President Biden will be using the summits to increase pressure on the Kremlin to end the war. No details on what exactly that increase in "pressure" will be.

White House Confirms President Biden Will Travel To The G7 Summit In Germany And The NATO Summit In Spain At The End Of June. No Mention On A Presidential Trip To Israel Or Saudi Arabia

President Joe Biden will travel to Germany on June 25 for G7 Summit and will then head to Madrid on June 28 for NATO meeting  

Daily Mail: White House confirms Biden will travel to the G7 summit in Germany and the NATO summit in Spain at the end of this month to discuss the 'food and energy crisis' caused by Russia - but leave out any plans to visit Israel and Saudi Arabia 

* Biden will travel to Germany on June 25 for G7 Summit

* He will then head to Madrid on June 28 for NATO meeting * Ukraine will be a major topic of both meetings, as will high costs of food and gas 

* No mention was made of stops in Israel or Saudi Arabia * There had been speculation Biden could tack on those countries 

* In April, Israeli PM invited Biden to visit and he accepted but no date announced 

* There was talk Biden would go to Saudi amid rising gas prices but Biden reportedly torn about meeting Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman 

President Joe Biden will travel to Germany on June 25 to attend the G7 Summit and then will head to Madrid for a NATO meeting, the White House announced on Wednesday. 

There was no mention of any stops in Saudi Arabia and Israel amid speculation Biden would visit the Middle East. 

Biden will be at Schloss Elmau, a luxury resort spa in the Bavarian Alps, to meet with his fellow leaders of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the European Union.  

Read more ....  

Update: Biden to attend G7 and NATO summits -statement (Reuters)  

WNU Editor: Israel is in the middle of a political crisis. The coalition may fall, and another Israeli general election may be called. Not a good time for a US Presidential visit. 

As for Saudi Arabia. Relations between the two countries is the worst that I have seen in my lifetime. The animosity between President Biden and Crown Prince Salman is not even hidden anymore. I do not expect President Biden traveling to Saudi Arabia anytime soon. But if President Biden does decide to go to Saudi Arabia, it will tell me that the US energy crisis is even worse than what the US media and the White House is saying.

G7 Brands Omicron 'Biggest Threat To Global Public Health'

 

Daily Mail: G7 brands Omicron 'biggest threat to global public health' and Biden promises a 'winter of severe illness and death' for the unvaccinated - while new study claims variant is 'markedly resistant' to vaccines 

* Health ministers from G7 nations met on Thursday to discuss concerns about Omicron, and described it as the biggest threat to global public health 

* The president issued the warning as he met with his Covid team at the White House on Thursday 

* Omicron will overtake Delta as the dominant Covid variant in US in January, American health officials said 

* Joe Biden's team are reportedly telling coronavirus test manufacturers and laboratories to prepare for anywhere between 3 and 5 million Covid tests being conducted on a daily basis by early 2022 

* The Health Department did not deny the reported figure when asked by DailyMail.com, said it was looking at a 'range' of options' 

* Currently there's only around 1.6 million coronavirus tests being taken daily in the US 

* Former Biden health official Andy Slavitt is calling on state and local leaders to pass measures aimed at slowing the Omicron variant's spread before 'it's too late,' and has predicted a strain on healthcare systems 

* A number of universities and private organizations like the National Football League and Metropolitan Opera are already implementing booster vaccination requirements at least for employees 

Health ministers from G7 nations met on Thursday and concluded that the Omicron variant was the 'biggest current threat to global public health', as President Joe Biden warned of a 'winter of severe illness and death' for those who were refusing to get vaccinated against Covid-19. 

Britain's health secretary, Sajid Javid, chaired the meeting of his G7 counterparts - a discussion between the United States, Canada, France, Germany, Italy and Japan as well as the U.K. 

The ministers, according to a British statement after the meeting, emphasized the importance of equitable access to diagnostics, genome sequencing, vaccines and therapeutics to monitor and counter the threat from the variant.  

Read more .... 

WNU editor: If the vaccines are not working effectively, this definitely has the potential to become a major health crisis .... Omicron 'greatly compromises' ability of ALL Covid jabs to prevent infection including boosters, lab study finds - but third doses should still give high protection against hospitalization and death (Daily Mail).

G-7 Warns Russia Of ‘Massive Consequences’ If It Attacks Ukraine

 

CNBC/Reuters: G-7 warns Russia of ‘massive consequences’ if it attacks Ukraine 

* The Group of Seven warned Russia on Sunday of massive consequences and severe costs if President Vladimir Putin attacks Ukraine, according to a draft statement. 

* U.S. intelligence assesses that Russia could be planning a multi-front offensive on Ukraine as early as next year, involving up to 175,000 troops. 

* At a meeting in the northern English city Liverpool, the G-7 delegates said they were united in their condemnation of Russia’s military build-up near Ukraine and they called on Moscow to de-escalate. 

The Group of Seven warned Russia on Sunday of massive consequences and severe costs if President Vladimir Putin attacks Ukraine, according to a draft statement seen by Reuters. 

U.S. intelligence assesses that Russia could be planning a multi-front offensive on Ukraine as early as next year, involving up to 175,000 troops.

The Kremlin denies it plans to invade and says the West is gripped by Russophobia. Moscow says the expansion of NATO threatens Russia and has contravened assurances given to it as the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991.  

Read more ....  

WNU Editor: The G7 is reacting to this .... Russia edges closer to war as new arms arrive on Ukraine’s border (The Guardian). 

More News On The G-7 Warning Russia Of ‘Massive Consequences’ If It Attacks Ukraine  

G7 warns Russia of ‘massive’ consequences if Ukraine invaded -- AP  

G7 leaders warn Russia all sanctions on table over Ukraine border buildup -- The Guardian  

G7 ministers warn of ‘strong response’ if Putin advances into Ukraine -- Politico  

G7 condemns Russian military buildup near Ukraine, warns of consequences: report -- The Hill  

G7 Amplifies Warnings Against Russian Aggression Toward Ukraine, As Kremlin Seeks New Putin-Biden Summit -- RFE  

G7 warns of ‘massive consequences’ if Russia invades Ukraine -- Al Jazeera

President Biden Rejects Pleas From G7 Leaders To Extend Afghan Evacuation Beyond Aug31st

President Joe Biden will stick to his August 31 deadline to withdraw U.S. troops from Afghanistan despite pressures from G7 leaders to extend it 

Daily Mail: Last chance to get out of Kabul: Joe Biden rejects pleas from G7 leaders to extend Afghan evacuation beyond Aug31st after Taliban insists there can be no extensions - despite secret meeting with CIA - and BANS Afghans from leaving 

* President Joe Biden will stick to his August 31 deadline to withdraw U.S. troops from Afghanistan despite pressures from G7 leaders to extend it 

* The Taliban said Tuesday it will not extend the August 31 deadline for the U.S to withdrawal all troops 

* 'We will not extend the deadline for the presence of U.S. troops in Afghanistan,' Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Myjahid said Tuesday. 'They are capable of evacuating their citizens and troops by August 31' 

* Comes after CIA Director William Burns went to Kabul for a meeting with Taliban leader Abdul Ghani Baradar 

* Likely discussed at the Monday meeting was the deadline for troop withdrawal from Afghanistan 

* Biden said he won't rule out military staying in Afghanistan past the deadline if needed to get Americans out 

* Taliban leaders warned of 'consequences' if the U.S. doesn't keep to the timeline 

* President Biden will meet virtually with G7 leaders on Tuesday morning to discuss the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan and will update the nation on the situation late in the afternoon 

* World leaders are increasingly pressuring Biden to extend the deadline 

President Joe Biden on Tuesday rejected pleas from G7 leaders to extend the Kabul evacuation and has insisted US troops will leave by August 31, after the Taliban issued a chilling warning to western forces who stay. 

The move now gives the Biden administration just seven days to evacuate thousands of American citizens and Afghan allies still stranded on the ground and fighting to escape the chaos at the airport. 

The US ramped up the airlift by evacuating 21,600 people in the last 24 hours, but they still don't know the exact number that still need to be flown out and are now running out of time.  

Read more .... 

WNU Editor: G7 leaders want an extension to the August 31st deadline. The Taliban wants the U.S. out by August 31st. The Taliban have won the argument.

More News On President Biden Rejecting Pleas From G7 Leaders To Extend Afghan Evacuation Beyond Aug31st 

Biden agrees with Pentagon recommendation to stick to Aug 31 Afghan pullout deadline – source -- Reuters 

Biden decides to keep August 31 deadline to withdraw from Afghanistan as evacuations accelerate -- CNN  

US has no plans to delay Afghanistan exit beyond 31 August, Pentagon says -- The Guardian

President Biden Set To Meet With G7 Leaders This Tuesday Amid Afghanistan Withdrawal

The Prime Minister (pictured left) reportedly wants the US President (pictured right) to push back the final withdrawal date in order to evacuate more Afghan citizens (pictured inset: Afghan citizens on a German rescue flight) from Kabul. There are fears that the 1,000 UK troops taking part in Britain's rescue operation will have to pull out when America's remaining group of 6,000 leave, due to a lack of air support. Dominic Raab, the foreign secretary, and Ben Wallace, the defence secretary, have both called on the US to extend the deadline, with Mr Wallace saying they would have the UK's 'complete support' if they do. President Biden has hinted troops may stay past this date to help with evacuations, though no official announcement has yet been made. And, according to the Times, Mr Johnson will now attempt to convince the US President to push back the exit date when they meet at the G7 later this week. The UK, which holds the leadership of the group at the moment, had called for the meeting. Prime Minister will host a virtual conference with G7 leaders on Tuesday.  

Business Insider: Biden set to meet with G7 leaders amid Afghanistan withdrawal 

* President Biden on Tuesday will meet with G7 leaders to discuss the Afghanistan withdrawal. 

* During the conversation, the leaders will discuss ways to evacuate allies and vulnerable citizens. 

* French President Emmanuel Macron reportedly told Biden that NATO has a "moral responsibility" to help Afghan allies leave the country. 

US President Joe Biden on Tuesday will meet with other Group of Seven (G7) leaders as the international community continues to assess the fallout from the evacuation of US armed forces and civilians from Afghanistan. 

White House press secretary Jen Psaki on Sunday announced the virtual meeting, which will occur two months after the group met in person for a summit in Cornwall, England. 

The meeting is set to include the leaders of the United Kingdom, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, and Japan.  

Read more ....  

Update #1: Statement by Press Secretary Jen Psaki on President Biden’s Meeting with G7 Leaders (White House)  

Update #2: Biden to meet with G-7 leaders amid pressure over Afghanistan exit (The Hill)  

WNU Editor: European leaders are going to be very skeptical with President Biden this Tuesday. They remember this promise that he made in June that has since been broken .... Biden told G7 he would keep security presence in Afghanistan: Report (NYPost).  

Update #3: It all comes down to how many Americans are being held by the Taliban .... Boris Johnson will use G7 to persuade US President Joe Biden to keep American troops in Afghanistan beyond August 31 so world can continue to rescue desperate locals (Daily Mail). I do not know about you, but I find it amazing that a close U.S. ally has to beg the White House for this type of assistance, and to do it publicly. In the past the U.S. would offer help to a close ally like the U.K. before being asked.

This Is Why Cell Phones And Internet Service Were Disrupted At The G7 Summit

WIFI PROBLEMS: National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan blamed the problem on lousy cell service in Cornwall for cell and Internet problems at the G7. The White House later said following questions about it that some summit meetings were 'conducted in a more secure format'  

Daily Mail: Spy countermeasures WERE behind mystery phone jamming at the G7: White House admits sessions on China took place in a 'more secure format' after first blaming spotty cell service in Cornwall 

* Reporters and aides experienced problems with phone service and Internet while world leaders gathered in Cornwall 

* The White House first blamed poor connections in 'beautiful coastal spots' 

* But when pressed, an official acknowledged security measures 

* The White House indicated it was controlled by the 'host country' - Britain 

* Some sessions were conducted 'in a more secure format' 

* Leaders huddled over ransomware attacks, Chinese human rights, China labor practices, the origins of the coronavirus, and G7 vaccine efforts 

The White House has acknowledged that the there were indeed special electronic security precautions at the G7 summit where leaders of the world's richest nations huddled about how to stem ransomware attacks and called out China for its market practices. 

Members of the media who covered the event had been asking about disruption in cell and Internet service when President Biden and other world leaders gathered in Cornwall, England. 

Reporters at the event noted that even some government aides weren't able to connect near the summit meeting rooms, and pressed the White House to explain. 

At first, National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan blamed the problem on lousy cell service in Cornwall along the southern coast.  

Read more ....  

Update: Media Reveals Reason Behind Mysterious Jamming of Phones at G7 Summit (Sputnik)  

WNU Editor: This confirms what I always suspect happens at these summits. Its a magnet for spies.