G-7: An Anachronism on Display!

 

The G-7 countries are from a bygone era. It was about empire, colonies and how to drain them dry! (In some ways France is still at it, I mean the part about “draining dry” its former African colonies). The summit meetings began in the 1970s, when the seven – Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Britain and the United States – met and dominated the world. In 1980, they constituted 51% of the world’s GDP whereas Asian developing economies only 8.8%. In 2021, the G-7 produced only 31% of the world’s GDP, while Asian countries produced 33% of the world economy.

There has been this idea, the G-20, which includes India, Indonesia, China primarily and constitutes over 80% of the world output. But that is just a bigger “talk shop” with no concrete output expected to improve the poor, the marginalized, the climate and the environment.

It is time for Asian nations to form its own G-6 or the A-6 (Asian G-6 of China, India, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan and Indonesia). The key problems are with China’s “wolf warrior” foreign policy, tensions with its neighbors and the possible U.S. objections to its formation.

Source: https://news.cgtn.com

 

The wolf warrior diplomacy is characterized by Chinese diplomats’ use of confrontational rhetoric as well as the diplomats’ increased willingness to rebuff criticism of China and court controversy in the media. The term “wolf warrior” is derived from a 2015 Chinese-produced military action film that depicts a mythical special forces unit of the PLA, called “Wolf Warriors”, pursuing foreign mercenaries led by ex-U.S. Navy SEAL. In diplomacy, it is characterized by being more nationalistic, assertive and critical (of other countries). China believes it is too strong to be pushed around. So, dressing down foreign counterparts and the media are part of this “wolf warrior” mentality. In the Trump world this may have been appropriate. But to other peace-loving Asian neighbors? The assertiveness of China on the 9-dash line in the South China Sea, the skirmishes in Ladakh are negatives for any BRI initiative.

So, what does China really want? To replace U.S. in the east and the Pacific? To lead Asia in the 21^st century? Or, to dominate economies with its debt financing? China can lead Asia fruitfully (and the world) by being more pragmatic in its foreign policy. Peaceful collaboration and cooperation with Asian nations where feasible and where they depend on China whilst “wolf warrior” tactics on those who seek to re-assert the age of the “Opium Wars”.

An Asian G-6 economic bloc will lead to the realization of the 21 century as an Asian century. It may be to the chagrin of the U.S. But so be it. Nothing should stop Asia from rising to its full potential unless wounds are self-inflicted.

And so, what about the G-7? “Let it be”, as the Beatles will say, for it to fold-up with the wisdom of Mother Mary?

 

Reference:

We don’t need any more useless G-7 summits, Jeffrey D Sachs, Sunday Star, 20 June 2021