Trade ministers from the Group of Seven (G-7)&nbsp;have come together to criticise the exploitation of commercial vulnerabilities by certain nations to further their policy objectives, Bloomberg reported.&nbsp;

In a joint statement issued after their two-day gathering in Osaka, Japan, the G-7 pledged to collaborate with developing nations to ensure the resilience of supply chains for crucial items like critical minerals, semiconductors, and batteries. &nbsp;

While refraining from naming specific culprits, the group voiced their disapproval of actions that weaponise economic dependencies, emphasising the need for free, fair, and mutually beneficial economic and trade relationships. They also expressed concern over the increasing frequency of economic intimidation and threats, which they believe interfere with the legitimate actions of governments.&nbsp;

While the statement didn't explicitly single out any countries employing these tactics, China is widely perceived as a target.&nbsp;

China has, in recent years, used tariffs, import bans, and restrictions against nations like Australia and Lithuania in efforts to influence policies it opposes or express dissatisfaction with foreign governments' actions.&nbsp;

The G-7's outreach session also included non-member nations, such as India, Indonesia, Australia, Chile, and Kenya, emphasising the importance of keeping supply chains secure and inclusive.&nbsp;

The COVID-19 pandemic exposed vulnerabilities in supply chains for critical items like semiconductors and medical devices, leading to concerns about overreliance on specific nations for these essential commodities. Geopolitical tensions in various regions have driven governments to employ trade barriers, sanctions, and subsidies to advance their security and diplomatic objectives. As developing nations often face pressure to align with either democratic powers or the camp led by China and Russia, the G-7's outreach to non-members reflects the evolving dynamics in global trade.&nbsp;

The G-7 nations pledged to promote fair competition by discouraging protectionism and market-distorting measures, noting their concern over export control measures on critical minerals.&nbsp;

This indirect criticism is likely aimed at China, which recently imposed export restrictions on elements essential for high-tech goods like semiconductors and electric vehicle batteries. The group called for an immediate end to measures that unnecessarily restrict trade, alluding to Chinese and Russian bans on Japanese seafood imports following the release of treated wastewater from the Fukushima nuclear power plant.&nbsp;

While the G-7 issued appeals for unity and joint action, there were indications of the challenges in achieving consensus, even among developed nations. The European Union's chief trade negotiator, Valdis Dombrovskis, pointed to additional demands from the United States as the reason for the failure to reach an agreement on crucial minerals. The EU and Australia are currently engaged in critical free trade talks in Osaka, with both sides warning that a failure to reach a deal now could result in substantial delays in any potential pact. &nbsp;

(With inputs from Bloomberg)&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

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Trade ministers from the Group of Seven (G-7) have come together to criticise the exploitation of commercial vulnerabilities by certain nations to further their policy objectives, Bloomberg reported.

Trade ministers from the Group of Seven (G-7) have come together to criticise the exploitation of commercial vulnerabilities by certain nations to further their policy objectives, Bloomberg reported. In a joint statement issued after their two-day gathering in Osaka, Japan, the G-7 pledged to collaborate with developing nations to ensure the resilience of supply chains for crucial items like critical minerals, semiconductors, and batteries. While refraining from naming specific culprits, the group voiced their disapproval of actions that weaponise economic dependencies, emphasising the need for free, fair, and mutually beneficial economic and trade relationships. They also expressed concern over the increasing frequency of economic intimidation and threats, which they believe interfere with the legitimate actions of governments. While the statement didn't explicitly single out any countries employing these tactics, China is widely perceived as a target. China has, in recent years, used tariffs, import bans, and restrictions against nations like Australia and Lithuania in efforts to influence policies it opposes or express dissatisfaction with foreign governments' actions. The G-7's outreach session also included non-member nations, such as India, Indonesia, Australia, Chile, and Kenya, emphasising the importance of keeping supply chains secure and inclusive. The COVID-19 pandemic exposed vulnerabilities in supply chains for critical items like semiconductors and medical devices, leading to concerns about overreliance on specific nations for these essential commodities. Geopolitical tensions in various regions have driven governments to employ trade barriers, sanctions, and subsidies to advance their security and diplomatic objectives. As developing nations often face pressure to align with either democratic powers or the camp led by China and Russia, the G-7's outreach to non-members reflects the evolving dynamics in global trade. The G-7 nations pledged to promote fair competition by discouraging protectionism and market-distorting measures, noting their concern over export control measures on critical minerals. This indirect criticism is likely aimed at China, which recently imposed export restrictions on elements essential for high-tech goods like semiconductors and electric vehicle batteries. The group called for an immediate end to measures that unnecessarily restrict trade, alluding to Chinese and Russian bans on Japanese seafood imports following the release of treated wastewater from the Fukushima nuclear power plant. While the G-7 issued appeals for unity and joint action, there were indications of the challenges in achieving consensus, even among developed nations. The European Union's chief trade negotiator, Valdis Dombrovskis, pointed to additional demands from the United States as the reason for the failure to reach an agreement on crucial minerals. The EU and Australia are currently engaged in critical free trade talks in Osaka, with both sides warning that a failure to reach a deal now could result in substantial delays in any potential pact. (With inputs from Bloomberg) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

G-7 trade chiefs condemn weaponisation of economic dependencies: Report  

The politics over the expansion of G-7 is heating up. It has been reduced to a symbolic global body during the pandemic.

It now wants to be substantive, leading the bid for its revival is the United States. Trump&nbsp;made the first move, he thinks the body has become outdated and that it has failed to reflect the present international scenario.

The G-7 is an inter-governmental economic organization which consists of the seven largest and advanced economies in the world - Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America.

It exchanges ideas on possible solutions to a global economic crisis and discusses matters of mutual interest.

So why are nations like India and China not a member of the body? After all, they are the world's second and fifth largest economies respectively. The reason that has been given till date is the relatively low level of wealth per head of population.

A reason that apparently makes these two nations - India and China - not deemed to be advanced economies&nbsp;but now the United States wants to change this. It wants to expand the body to a G-11 in all likelihood.

The seven economies that are right now a part of this body were amongst the most advanced when the group was established&nbsp;but over the years economies like India, China, Australia and Russia and some others have developed into major economic forces.

So, America wants these economies to sit on the high table. It has invited more guests like India, Australia, Russia and South Korea. America wants to leave China out for obvious reasons and the United Kingdom and Canada agree.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and the British PM Boris Johnson are with US over keeping China out of the economic high table. South Korea hasn't taken any side, the rest too have chosen to stay neutral. One country thinks this is unfair, China's immediate neighbour and once America's biggest foe - Russia.

It has agreed to the expansion of G7 but not without China. Maria Zakharova, Russian foreign ministry spokesperson said: "The idea of an expanded G-7 summit is a step in the right direction but does not really mean a true representation."

"It is obvious that it is hardly possible to implement serious global initiatives without China," the foreign ministry spokesman asserted.

Moscow is purposely pretending to miss the point - America's point is to punish China for lying about the pandemic and sending the global economies into disarray, however. Russia just doesn't agree. Also, it hasn't forgotten how it was removed from the body in 2014 after it captured the Crimea region in Ukraine and was shown the door.

Six years have passed and a lot has changed. China is now the biggest enemy for America - the self-proclaimed leader of the G-7. It wants to win over Russia while cornering the Chinese regime. Moscow has been unrelenting in its pursuit.

The politics over the expansion of G-7 is heating up. It has been reduced to a symbolic global body during the pandemic. It now wants to be substantive, leading the bid for its revival is the United States.

The politics over the expansion of G-7 is heating up. It has been reduced to a symbolic global body during the pandemic. It now wants to be substantive, leading the bid for its revival is the United States. Trump made the first move, he thinks the body has become outdated and that it has failed to reflect the present international scenario. The G-7 is an inter-governmental economic organization which consists of the seven largest and advanced economies in the world - Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America. It exchanges ideas on possible solutions to a global economic crisis and discusses matters of mutual interest. So why are nations like India and China not a member of the body? After all, they are the world's second and fifth largest economies respectively. The reason that has been given till date is the relatively low level of wealth per head of population. A reason that apparently makes these two nations - India and China - not deemed to be advanced economies but now the United States wants to change this. It wants to expand the body to a G-11 in all likelihood. The seven economies that are right now a part of this body were amongst the most advanced when the group was established but over the years economies like India, China, Australia and Russia and some others have developed into major economic forces. So, America wants these economies to sit on the high table. It has invited more guests like India, Australia, Russia and South Korea. America wants to leave China out for obvious reasons and the United Kingdom and Canada agree. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and the British PM Boris Johnson are with US over keeping China out of the economic high table. South Korea hasn't taken any side, the rest too have chosen to stay neutral. One country thinks this is unfair, China's immediate neighbour and once America's biggest foe - Russia. It has agreed to the expansion of G7 but not without China. Maria Zakharova, Russian foreign ministry spokesperson said: "The idea of an expanded G-7 summit is a step in the right direction but does not really mean a true representation." "It is obvious that it is hardly possible to implement serious global initiatives without China," the foreign ministry spokesman asserted. Moscow is purposely pretending to miss the point - America's point is to punish China for lying about the pandemic and sending the global economies into disarray, however. Russia just doesn't agree. Also, it hasn't forgotten how it was removed from the body in 2014 after it captured the Crimea region in Ukraine and was shown the door. Six years have passed and a lot has changed. China is now the biggest enemy for America - the self-proclaimed leader of the G-7. It wants to win over Russia while cornering the Chinese regime. Moscow has been unrelenting in its pursuit.

Expanding G-7: Now, Russia pitches for China's inclusion

China on Saturday angrily hit out at the latest <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-heaps-another-5-tariff-on-chinese-goods-in-latest-tit-for-tat-escalation-245211">US tariff hikes on its goods</a>, saying a "bullying" Washington would eventually "eat its own bitter fruit".

European leaders have also warned US President Donald Trump of the dangers of trade skirmishes with China and Europe, which look set to dominate the G7 summit due to begin in France.

Trump on Friday increased existing and planned tariffs on a total of $550 billion in Chinese goods, in response to new tit-for-tat levy hikes announced earlier that day by Beijing on $75 billion of US imports.

A Chinese commerce ministry spokesman on Saturday denounced Washington's "unilateral and bullying trade protectionism".

Watch: Trump slaps new tariffs on China, Additional 5% Tariff On Chinese Imports

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The tariff increase "seriously undermines the multilateral trading system and the normal international trade order, and the US will surely eat its own bitter fruit.

"The Chinese side strongly urges the US side not to misjudge the situation, not to underestimate the determination of the Chinese people, and immediately stop its mistaken actions, otherwise all consequences will be borne by the US," the spokesman said.

By the end of the year the feud will affect nearly all imports and exports between the two countries, with US companies -- many of whom rely on China for inputs -- particularly worried by the rapidly changing conflict.

EU Council President Donald Tusk on Saturday warned that Trump's escalating trade tensions with China and Europe could force economies around the world into recession.

Meanwhile French President Emmanuel Macron, host of the G7 summit in the French city of Biarritz, also warned of the widespread fallout from the trade disputes.

China on Saturday angrily hit out at the latest US tariff hikes on its goods, saying a "bullying" Washington would eventually "eat its own bitter fruit". European leaders have also warned US President Donald Trump of the dangers of trade skirmishes with China and Europe, which look set to dominate the G7 summit due to begin in France.

China on Saturday angrily hit out at the latest US tariff hikes on its goods, saying a "bullying" Washington would eventually "eat its own bitter fruit". European leaders have also warned US President Donald Trump of the dangers of trade skirmishes with China and Europe, which look set to dominate the G7 summit due to begin in France. Trump on Friday increased existing and planned tariffs on a total of $550 billion in Chinese goods, in response to new tit-for-tat levy hikes announced earlier that day by Beijing on $75 billion of US imports. A Chinese commerce ministry spokesman on Saturday denounced Washington's "unilateral and bullying trade protectionism". Watch: Trump slaps new tariffs on China, Additional 5% Tariff On Chinese Imports × The tariff increase "seriously undermines the multilateral trading system and the normal international trade order, and the US will surely eat its own bitter fruit. "The Chinese side strongly urges the US side not to misjudge the situation, not to underestimate the determination of the Chinese people, and immediately stop its mistaken actions, otherwise all consequences will be borne by the US," the spokesman said. By the end of the year the feud will affect nearly all imports and exports between the two countries, with US companies -- many of whom rely on China for inputs -- particularly worried by the rapidly changing conflict. EU Council President Donald Tusk on Saturday warned that Trump's escalating trade tensions with China and Europe could force economies around the world into recession. Meanwhile French President Emmanuel Macron, host of the G7 summit in the French city of Biarritz, also warned of the widespread fallout from the trade disputes.

'Bullying' US will 'eat its own bitter fruit,' says China slamming US over new tariffs

Canada's Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland met with US senators Wednesday aiming to cool down a fiery trade row over "absurd" American tariffs that has sent ties between the longtime allies plunging.

Freeland huddled behind closed doors with Senate Foreign Relations chairman Bob Corker and other senators on the committee eager to repair the fraying relationship after President Donald Trump cited national security interests for slapping punitive tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum.

Invoking national security -- under Section 232 of a US trade law -- as a reason for the tariffs "is frankly absurd," Freeland told reporters after the hour-long meeting.

"I think Americans understand it's simply not the case," she said, stressing the deep friendship between two nations that share the world's longest peaceful border.

Freeland has visited Washington often in recent weeks as Canada, the US and Mexico engage in negotiations over modernizing NAFTA, the North American Free Trade Agreement.

But Trump's announced tariffs, and bald faced attacks against Prime Minister Justin Trudeau after the G7 summit, have stunned Canada.&nbsp;

The neighbor to the north is now on track to impose what Freeland described as "measured, dollar-for-dollar retaliation" tariffs on US goods beginning July 1.

Freeland would not say what steps Ottawa wants the US Congress to take, but she was clear about Canada's demand on the Trump administration.

"The US has to remove these unfair illegal tariffs from Canada, and from its allies," she said.

"We really are confident that at the end of the day, common sense will prevail."

She stopped short of saying whether any US lawmakers apologized for Trump's trade actions, adding that Canadians "really value our relationship with the United States."

The Republican Corker has criticized Trump for attacking a vital ally, and lashed out at leaders in his own party for refusing to schedule a vote on his measure to let Congress approve or reject any tariffs imposed by the US president.

A frustrated Corker said after the meeting it was clear "we've damaged relations" with Canada.

"I don't know of any senator that I know of on the Republican side that has not expressed concerns to the president both about using 232 but also just the random nature of how this has all been carried out."

Democratic Senator Bob Menendez said he hoped Freeland would return home and share with Canadians "that the view of the president is not the view of all the American people" or a majority of senators.&nbsp;

Freeland said she will speak on Thursday with US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer, with whom she met on the sidelines of last weekend's G7 summit.

Invoking national security -- under Section 232 of a US trade law -- as a reason for the tariffs 'is frankly absurd,' Chrystia Freeland told reporters after the hour-long meeting

Canada's Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland met with US senators Wednesday aiming to cool down a fiery trade row over "absurd" American tariffs that has sent ties between the longtime allies plunging. Freeland huddled behind closed doors with Senate Foreign Relations chairman Bob Corker and other senators on the committee eager to repair the fraying relationship after President Donald Trump cited national security interests for slapping punitive tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum. Invoking national security -- under Section 232 of a US trade law -- as a reason for the tariffs "is frankly absurd," Freeland told reporters after the hour-long meeting. "I think Americans understand it's simply not the case," she said, stressing the deep friendship between two nations that share the world's longest peaceful border. Freeland has visited Washington often in recent weeks as Canada, the US and Mexico engage in negotiations over modernizing NAFTA, the North American Free Trade Agreement. But Trump's announced tariffs, and bald faced attacks against Prime Minister Justin Trudeau after the G7 summit, have stunned Canada. The neighbor to the north is now on track to impose what Freeland described as "measured, dollar-for-dollar retaliation" tariffs on US goods beginning July 1. Freeland would not say what steps Ottawa wants the US Congress to take, but she was clear about Canada's demand on the Trump administration. "The US has to remove these unfair illegal tariffs from Canada, and from its allies," she said. "We really are confident that at the end of the day, common sense will prevail." She stopped short of saying whether any US lawmakers apologized for Trump's trade actions, adding that Canadians "really value our relationship with the United States." The Republican Corker has criticized Trump for attacking a vital ally, and lashed out at leaders in his own party for refusing to schedule a vote on his measure to let Congress approve or reject any tariffs imposed by the US president. A frustrated Corker said after the meeting it was clear "we've damaged relations" with Canada. "I don't know of any senator that I know of on the Republican side that has not expressed concerns to the president both about using 232 but also just the random nature of how this has all been carried out." Democratic Senator Bob Menendez said he hoped Freeland would return home and share with Canadians "that the view of the president is not the view of all the American people" or a majority of senators. Freeland said she will speak on Thursday with US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer, with whom she met on the sidelines of last weekend's G7 summit.

Canadian finance minister visits US Senate amid trade brawl

France warned Sunday that "fits of anger" could not dictate international cooperation after US President Donald Trump abruptly rejected a joint statement agreed following a bad-tempered G7 summit in Canada.

"International cooperation cannot be dictated by fits of anger and throwaway remarks," President Emmanuel Macron's office said in a statement.

"We spend two days working out a (joint) statement and commitments. We are sticking to them and whoever reneges on them is showing incoherence and inconsistency."

"Let's be serious and worthy of our people. We make commitments and keep them," the presidency said, adding that "France and Europe maintain their support for this (G7) statement."

Minutes after the publication of a joint communique that was approved by Trump and other Group of Seven leaders at a summit in the city of Quebec, the US leader announced on Twitter that he was retracting his support.

In a flurry of tweets from Air Force One, en route to Singapore for a historic nuclear summit with North Korea's Kim Jong Un, Trump accused the summit host, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of being "very dishonest".

He was reacting to Trudeau's declaration that Canadians would "not be pushed around" and would hit back at punishing US tariffs on metal imports with "equivalent tariffs".

"Based on Justin's false statements at his news conference, and the fact that Canada is charging massive Tariffs to our US farmers, workers and companies, I have instructed our US Reps not to endorse the Communique as we look at Tariffs on automobiles flooding the US Market!" Trump tweeted.

"PM Justin Trudeau of Canada acted so meek and mild during our @G7 meetings only to give a news conference after I left saying that ... he 'will not be pushed around.' Very dishonest & weak."

'We spend two days working out a (joint) statement and commitments. We are sticking to them and whoever reneges on them is showing incoherence and inconsistency', said Macron

France warned Sunday that "fits of anger" could not dictate international cooperation after US President Donald Trump abruptly rejected a joint statement agreed following a bad-tempered G7 summit in Canada. "International cooperation cannot be dictated by fits of anger and throwaway remarks," President Emmanuel Macron's office said in a statement. "We spend two days working out a (joint) statement and commitments. We are sticking to them and whoever reneges on them is showing incoherence and inconsistency." "Let's be serious and worthy of our people. We make commitments and keep them," the presidency said, adding that "France and Europe maintain their support for this (G7) statement." Minutes after the publication of a joint communique that was approved by Trump and other Group of Seven leaders at a summit in the city of Quebec, the US leader announced on Twitter that he was retracting his support. In a flurry of tweets from Air Force One, en route to Singapore for a historic nuclear summit with North Korea's Kim Jong Un, Trump accused the summit host, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of being "very dishonest". He was reacting to Trudeau's declaration that Canadians would "not be pushed around" and would hit back at punishing US tariffs on metal imports with "equivalent tariffs". "Based on Justin's false statements at his news conference, and the fact that Canada is charging massive Tariffs to our US farmers, workers and companies, I have instructed our US Reps not to endorse the Communique as we look at Tariffs on automobiles flooding the US Market!" Trump tweeted. "PM Justin Trudeau of Canada acted so meek and mild during our @G7 meetings only to give a news conference after I left saying that ... he 'will not be pushed around.' Very dishonest & weak."

France on G7: 'Fits of anger' cannot dictate international cooperation

<a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/modi-says-his-meeting-with-xi-will-add-further-vigour-to-india-china-ties--143318">Modi says his meeting with Xi will add further vigour to India-China ties</a>

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said he had detailed discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping on bilateral and global issues which will add further vigour to the India-China friendship after their informal summit in Wuhan.

<a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/dust-storm-light-rain-hit-delhi-143313">18 flights diverted as </a><a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/dust-storm-light-rain-hit-delhi-143313">dust</a><a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/dust-storm-light-rain-hit-delhi-143313"> storm, light rain hit Delhi</a>

As many as 18 Delhi-bound flights were diverted as thunderstorm and rain, with winds gusting up to 70 kmph, hit Delhi-NCR on Saturday evening, bringing some relief from the searing heat, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp

<a href="http://wionews.com/world/trump-to-leave-g7-early-missing-environmental-talks-143323">Trump to leave G7 early, missing environmental talks</a>

US President Donald Trump planned to leave the summit of the Group of Seven wealthy nations on Saturday before it discussed climate change and the health of oceans, underlining fractures in the G7 exacerbated by US trade tariffs.

<a href="http://wionews.com/south-asia/19-afghan-police-killed-in-taliban-attack-on-base-officials-143311">19 Afghan police killed in Taliban attack on base: Officials</a>

At least 19 Afghan police officers were killed on Saturday in a pre-dawn raid by the Taliban on a base in the northern province of Kunduz, officials said, hours before the militants announced an unprecedented ceasefire starting next week.

<a href="http://wionews.com/world/russia-and-ukraine-discuss-exchange-of-prisoners-kremlin-143320">Russia and Ukraine discuss 'exchange' of prisoners: Kremlin</a>

Russian leader Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko discussed Saturday a possible exchange of prisoners, the Kremlin said, raising hopes that hunger-striking film director Oleg Sentsov and others could be released ahead of the start of the World Cup next week.

 
&nbsp

Modi says his meeting with Xi will add further vigour to India-China ties Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said he had detailed discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping on bilateral and global issues which will add further vigour to the India-China friendship after their informal summit in Wuhan. 18 flights diverted as dust storm, light rain hit Delhi As many as 18 Delhi-bound flights were diverted as thunderstorm and rain, with winds gusting up to 70 kmph, hit Delhi-NCR on Saturday evening, bringing some relief from the searing heat, news agency ANI reported. Trump to leave G7 early, missing environmental talks US President Donald Trump planned to leave the summit of the Group of Seven wealthy nations on Saturday before it discussed climate change and the health of oceans, underlining fractures in the G7 exacerbated by US trade tariffs. 19 Afghan police killed in Taliban attack on base: Officials At least 19 Afghan police officers were killed on Saturday in a pre-dawn raid by the Taliban on a base in the northern province of Kunduz, officials said, hours before the militants announced an unprecedented ceasefire starting next week. Russia and Ukraine discuss 'exchange' of prisoners: Kremlin Russian leader Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko discussed Saturday a possible exchange of prisoners, the Kremlin said, raising hopes that hunger-striking film director Oleg Sentsov and others could be released ahead of the start of the World Cup next week.

News brief: Read big stories of the day

US&nbspPresident Donald Trump planned to leave the summit of the Group of Seven wealthy nations on Saturday before it discussed climate change and the health of oceans, underlining fractures in the G7 exacerbated by US&nbsptrade tariffs.

The six-plus-one tone of the gathering in Quebec means the leaders from Canada, Britain, the United States, France, Germany Italy and Japan are unlikely to issue a joint statement, too sharply divided on trade or the environment to reach consensus.

Still, a French official said on Friday the United States and European Union will establish a dialogue on trade within the next two weeks, signaling a modest step forward for the bitterly divided allies of the G7.

The two-day summit in Canada has been marred by fears of a trade war and tit-for-tat exchanges of hostile tweets, with US&nbsptrading partners furious over Trump's decision to impose tariffs on steel and aluminum imports from Canada, the European Union and Mexico as part of his "America First" agenda. Some countries have retaliated with their own levies on US&nbspimports.

While Trump set a combative tone before even arriving at the summit with a series of tweets about unfair trade deals, he appeared affable and joking at multiple brief photo opportunities and praised French President Emmanuel Macron for helping to work out trade issues.

"Something's going to happen. I think it will be very positive," Trump said on Friday, without giving details.

The leaders worked late into the night on Friday at the luxurious and tightly secured riverside hotel where the summit is being held, with the White House tweeting a photo showing the leaders huddled around a coffee table at 11:20 pm&nbspET, looking at what appeared to be a draft document marked up with highlighter. German Chancellor Angela Merkel sat between Macron and Trump on a sofa, while Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau sat to the left of the US&nbsppresident.

Trump plans to leave the summit mid-morning on Saturday, four hours earlier than originally planned, to fly to Singapore to meet with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

That means he will miss a working session among the leaders on climate change and clean energy, as well as talks among the G7 and poorer countries focused on the health of oceans.

The early exit also means he will be gone before allies begin closing news conferences likely to be laden with criticism of the US&nbspstance on trade and Trump's abrupt suggestion on Friday that Russia be re-admitted to the elite grouping.

Russia was suspended from the group in 2014 because of its annexation of Crimea from Ukraine. Merkel said EU countries at the summit agreed that the conditions to readmit Russia had not been met and even Moscow seemed to reject the suggestion.

Trump's presidency has been clouded by a federal investigation into alleged Russian meddling in the 2016 presidential election, and possible collusion by his campaign. Both Moscow and Trump have denied the allegations.

US President Donald Trump planned to leave the summit of the Group of Seven wealthy nations on Saturday before it discussed climate change and the health of oceans

US&nbspPresident Donald Trump planned to leave the summit of the Group of Seven wealthy nations on Saturday before it discussed climate change and the health of oceans, underlining fractures in the G7 exacerbated by US&nbsptrade tariffs. The six-plus-one tone of the gathering in Quebec means the leaders from Canada, Britain, the United States, France, Germany Italy and Japan are unlikely to issue a joint statement, too sharply divided on trade or the environment to reach consensus. Still, a French official said on Friday the United States and European Union will establish a dialogue on trade within the next two weeks, signaling a modest step forward for the bitterly divided allies of the G7. The two-day summit in Canada has been marred by fears of a trade war and tit-for-tat exchanges of hostile tweets, with US&nbsptrading partners furious over Trump's decision to impose tariffs on steel and aluminum imports from Canada, the European Union and Mexico as part of his "America First" agenda. Some countries have retaliated with their own levies on US&nbspimports. While Trump set a combative tone before even arriving at the summit with a series of tweets about unfair trade deals, he appeared affable and joking at multiple brief photo opportunities and praised French President Emmanuel Macron for helping to work out trade issues. "Something's going to happen. I think it will be very positive," Trump said on Friday, without giving details. The leaders worked late into the night on Friday at the luxurious and tightly secured riverside hotel where the summit is being held, with the White House tweeting a photo showing the leaders huddled around a coffee table at 11:20 pm&nbspET, looking at what appeared to be a draft document marked up with highlighter. German Chancellor Angela Merkel sat between Macron and Trump on a sofa, while Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau sat to the left of the US&nbsppresident. Trump plans to leave the summit mid-morning on Saturday, four hours earlier than originally planned, to fly to Singapore to meet with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. That means he will miss a working session among the leaders on climate change and clean energy, as well as talks among the G7 and poorer countries focused on the health of oceans. The early exit also means he will be gone before allies begin closing news conferences likely to be laden with criticism of the US&nbspstance on trade and Trump's abrupt suggestion on Friday that Russia be re-admitted to the elite grouping. Russia was suspended from the group in 2014 because of its annexation of Crimea from Ukraine. Merkel said EU countries at the summit agreed that the conditions to readmit Russia had not been met and even Moscow seemed to reject the suggestion. Trump's presidency has been clouded by a federal investigation into alleged Russian meddling in the 2016 presidential election, and possible collusion by his campaign. Both Moscow and Trump have denied the allegations.

Trump to leave G7 early, missing environmental talks

President Donald Trump said Friday he wants to use the G7 summit to resolve what he called unfair trade deals with US allies.

"Looking forward to straightening out unfair Trade Deals with the G-7 countries. If it doesn’t happen, we come out even better!," Trump wrote as part of a blast of early morning tweets ahead of the meeting Friday and Saturday in Canada.

America's closest allies are bracing for a showdown with Trump at the G7 summit, as anger at being slapped with trade tariffs by their most powerful member threatened to split the club.

Four days before Trump's ice-breaking summit with North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un in Singapore, the US president can expect a far chillier reception when he hops across the border to Canada.

Much of his fellow members' anger stems from Trump's recent imposition of tariffs on imported steel and aluminum.

But relations had already been soured by the US pullout from the Paris climate accord and the Iran nuclear deal.

President Donald Trump said Friday he wants to use the G7 summit to resolve what he called unfair trade deals with US allies

President Donald Trump said Friday he wants to use the G7 summit to resolve what he called unfair trade deals with US allies. "Looking forward to straightening out unfair Trade Deals with the G-7 countries. If it doesn’t happen, we come out even better!," Trump wrote as part of a blast of early morning tweets ahead of the meeting Friday and Saturday in Canada. America's closest allies are bracing for a showdown with Trump at the G7 summit, as anger at being slapped with trade tariffs by their most powerful member threatened to split the club. Four days before Trump's ice-breaking summit with North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un in Singapore, the US president can expect a far chillier reception when he hops across the border to Canada. Much of his fellow members' anger stems from Trump's recent imposition of tariffs on imported steel and aluminum. But relations had already been soured by the US pullout from the Paris climate accord and the Iran nuclear deal.

Trump says 'looking forward' to resolving trade disputes at G7

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