Leaders of the Group of Seven industrialized nations tiptoed around the issue of China during their first, virtual, gathering of 2021 and failed to disguise a growing sense that it’s a problem they will need to confront soon.
Joe Biden’s debut on the world stage as U.S. president showed further efforts to reset the trans-Atlantic relationship and highlighted an increasing unease with Beijing’s behavior. European Union leaders didn’t always share those U.S. concerns during Donald Trump’s four years in the White House.
Leaders discussed China at length during the call, according to an EU official with knowledge of the conversation, but mention of the topic in the statement that followed offered little detail. The members pledged to "engage” with Beijing and, without singling out any country in particular, "consult with each other” to address any "non-market oriented policies and practices.”