By Emmanuel Nduka
As G7 leaders round up their summit in Cornwall, England, China has warned the leaders that the days when a “small” group of countries decide the fate of the rest of the world are long gone.
This comment made by a spokesman for the Chinese embassy in London, comes as the leaders sought a unified position over China.
The G7 leaders adopted a spending plan in response to a massive Chinese scheme, as analysts say US President, Joe Biden is determined that Western powers need to act now to counter a resurgent China.
The leaders are expected to issue a closing declaration promising more financial support for developing countries hit by the climate crisis on Sunday, and funds for infrastructure projects in the developing world, an alternative to a Chinese programme.
President Biden said he wanted the US-backed Build Back Better World (B3W) plan to be a higher-quality alternative to Beijing’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). The scheme has helped finance trains, roads, and ports in many countries, but has been criticised for saddling some with debt.
“The days when global decisions were dictated by a small group of countries are long gone.
“We always believe that countries, big or small, strong or weak, poor or rich, are equals, and that world affairs should be handled through consultation by all countries,” a spokesman for the Chinese embassy in London was quoted.
In a statement on Saturday, the G7 countries – the world’s seven wealthiest democracies – said their infrastructure plan would offer a “values-driven, high-standard and transparent” partnership, while details of how it will be financed remain unclear. There has also been no consensus reached by the G7 nations over whether China is a partner, a competitor or a security threat.
