Top diplomats from G7 nations hold key discussions in the UK on China and Russia's aggressive policies. G7 also discussed a boycott of the Beijing Winter Olympics.

Top diplomats of G7 nations hold discussions in the UK about China & Russia's aggressive policies

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Tuesday the G7 had agreed a plan to deal with the Taliban, with the No&nbsp;1 condition being that militants must allow safe passage to Afghans wanting to leave the country even after an August&nbsp;31 deadline. 
 
"What we've done today, the G7, is we've ... agreed not just a joint approach to dealing with the evacuation, but also a road map for the way in which we`re going to engage with the Taliban," Johnson said after an emergency virtual meeting of the leaders of the Group of Seven rich nations.

Watch:&nbsp;Afghanistan refugees in Pakistan say hopes of returning home dashed

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"The No&nbsp;1 condition we're setting as G7 is that they've got to guarantee right the way through, through August 31 and beyond, safe passage for those who want to come out", he added. 
 
"Some of them will say that they don't accept that, some of them I hope will see the sense of that, because the G7 has very considerable leverage, economic, diplomatic and political."

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/south-asia/joe-biden-says-us-on-pace-to-end-afghan-mission-by-august-31-408146">Joe Biden says US 'on pace' to end Afghan mission by August 31</a> 
 
The Guardian newspaper reported late on Tuesday that Britain's evacuation from Kabul is expected to end within "24 to 36 hours". It cited unidentified defence sources. 
 
Johnson said the "huge leverage" the G7 could wield over the Taliban after they seized control of the country just over a week ago included withholding substantial funds. 
 
"What we're saying is Afghanistan can't lurch back into becoming a breeding ground of terror, Afghanistan can't become a narco state, girls have got to be educated up to the age of 18," he said. 
 
Johnson sidestepped a question about whether other G7 leaders had expressed frustration at US&nbsp;President Joe Biden over his handling of the crisis and refusal to extend the deadline for US&nbsp;troops remaining in Afghanistan. 
 
"Let's be clear the immediate phase of the evacuation is actually ... a very considerable success by the military," he said. "We're confident we can get thousands more out. But the situation at the airport is not getting any better. It's harrowing scenes for those who are trying to get out."

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Tuesday the G7 had agreed a plan to deal with the Taliban, with the No 1 condition being that militants must allow safe passage to Afghans wanting to leave the country even after an August 31 deadline.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Tuesday the G7 had agreed a plan to deal with the Taliban, with the No 1 condition being that militants must allow safe passage to Afghans wanting to leave the country even after an August 31 deadline. "What we've done today, the G7, is we've ... agreed not just a joint approach to dealing with the evacuation, but also a road map for the way in which we`re going to engage with the Taliban," Johnson said after an emergency virtual meeting of the leaders of the Group of Seven rich nations. Watch: Afghanistan refugees in Pakistan say hopes of returning home dashed × "The No 1 condition we're setting as G7 is that they've got to guarantee right the way through, through August 31 and beyond, safe passage for those who want to come out", he added. "Some of them will say that they don't accept that, some of them I hope will see the sense of that, because the G7 has very considerable leverage, economic, diplomatic and political." Also Read: Joe Biden says US 'on pace' to end Afghan mission by August 31 The Guardian newspaper reported late on Tuesday that Britain's evacuation from Kabul is expected to end within "24 to 36 hours". It cited unidentified defence sources. Johnson said the "huge leverage" the G7 could wield over the Taliban after they seized control of the country just over a week ago included withholding substantial funds. "What we're saying is Afghanistan can't lurch back into becoming a breeding ground of terror, Afghanistan can't become a narco state, girls have got to be educated up to the age of 18," he said. Johnson sidestepped a question about whether other G7 leaders had expressed frustration at US President Joe Biden over his handling of the crisis and refusal to extend the deadline for US troops remaining in Afghanistan. "Let's be clear the immediate phase of the evacuation is actually ... a very considerable success by the military," he said. "We're confident we can get thousands more out. But the situation at the airport is not getting any better. It's harrowing scenes for those who are trying to get out."

UK PM Johnson says G7 agreed Taliban must allow departures after Aug 31

China said on Tuesday that slapping sanctions on the Taliban in Afghanistan would be harmful, and urged the international community to support the country's opportunities for good change.&nbsp;

“Afghanistan is an independent and sovereign country. The United States and its allies should learn from the lessons of history, reflect and act prudently on issues related to Afghanistan,” said Wang Wenbin, China’s foreign ministry spokesperson.&nbsp;

“Imposing sanctions and pressure at every turn cannot solve the problem and will only be counterproductive.”

When asked about the G7 leaders' proposal to put further sanctions on the Taliban, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said that implementing sanctions and applying pressure will not solve problems.&nbsp;

“Afghanistan is an independent sovereign country. The US and its allies should learn from the past experience, and deeply reflect upon and act prudently on Afghanistan-related issues," Wang said.

The international community should encourage and work for the positive developments of the Afghan situation, support peace and reconstruction in Afghanistan, and assist the nation to improve people's livelihood and enhance its ability to achieve self-development, he said.

“Wantonly slapping sanctions and exerting pressure solves no problem and will only be counterproductive," he said.

On Monday, Wang hinted that China would increase financial aid to Taliban-controlled Afghanistan, saying that China would play a "positive role" in assisting the war-torn country despite international pressure to halt funding to Kabul until the Afghan militant group changed its hardline religious policies.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

China said on Tuesday that slapping sanctions on the Taliban in Afghanistan would be harmful, and urged the international community to support the country's opportunities for good change.

China said on Tuesday that slapping sanctions on the Taliban in Afghanistan would be harmful, and urged the international community to support the country's opportunities for good change. “Afghanistan is an independent and sovereign country. The United States and its allies should learn from the lessons of history, reflect and act prudently on issues related to Afghanistan,” said Wang Wenbin, China’s foreign ministry spokesperson. “Imposing sanctions and pressure at every turn cannot solve the problem and will only be counterproductive.” When asked about the G7 leaders' proposal to put further sanctions on the Taliban, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said that implementing sanctions and applying pressure will not solve problems. “Afghanistan is an independent sovereign country. The US and its allies should learn from the past experience, and deeply reflect upon and act prudently on Afghanistan-related issues," Wang said. The international community should encourage and work for the positive developments of the Afghan situation, support peace and reconstruction in Afghanistan, and assist the nation to improve people's livelihood and enhance its ability to achieve self-development, he said. “Wantonly slapping sanctions and exerting pressure solves no problem and will only be counterproductive," he said. On Monday, Wang hinted that China would increase financial aid to Taliban-controlled Afghanistan, saying that China would play a "positive role" in assisting the war-torn country despite international pressure to halt funding to Kabul until the Afghan militant group changed its hardline religious policies. (With inputs from agencies)

Imposing sanctions on Taliban will be counterproductive: China

Britain plans to push world leaders to consider new sanctions on the Taliban when the G7 group of advanced economies meet on Tuesday to discuss the crisis in Afghanistan, sources told Reuters. 
 
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who currently leads the group that includes the United States, Italy, France, Germany, Japan and Canada, called on Sunday for the virtual meeting, in the wake of the Taliban's swift takeover of Afghanistan. 
 
Britain believes the G7 should consider economic sanctions and withhold aid if the Taliban commits human rights abuses and allows its territory to be used as a haven for militants, according to a British government official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, and a second Western diplomat. 
 
US&nbsp;President Joe Biden told reporters on Sunday that the Taliban had not taken any action against US&nbsp;forces controlling Kabul airport, and had largely followed through on their pledge to let Americans reach the airport safely. 
 
Asked whether he would support Britain's push for sanctions if the Taliban committed abuses, Biden said, "The answer is yes. It depends on the conduct." 
 
Taliban militants seized control of Kabul last weekend in an upheaval that sent civilians and Afghan military allies fleeing for safety. Many fear a return to the austere interpretation of Islamic law imposed during the previous Taliban rule that ended 20 years ago. 
 
"It is vital that the international community works together to ensure safe evacuations, prevent a humanitarian crisis and support the Afghan people to secure the gains of the last 20 years," Johnson said on Twitter on Sunday. 
 
Sanctions against the Taliban are unlikely to be adopted immediately, one Western diplomat said. British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab first raised the possibility of sanctions to pressure the Taliban last week.

Britain plans to push world leaders to consider new sanctions on the Taliban when the G7 group of advanced economies meet on Tuesday to discuss the crisis in Afghanistan, sources told Reuters.

Britain plans to push world leaders to consider new sanctions on the Taliban when the G7 group of advanced economies meet on Tuesday to discuss the crisis in Afghanistan, sources told Reuters. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who currently leads the group that includes the United States, Italy, France, Germany, Japan and Canada, called on Sunday for the virtual meeting, in the wake of the Taliban's swift takeover of Afghanistan. Britain believes the G7 should consider economic sanctions and withhold aid if the Taliban commits human rights abuses and allows its territory to be used as a haven for militants, according to a British government official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, and a second Western diplomat. US President Joe Biden told reporters on Sunday that the Taliban had not taken any action against US forces controlling Kabul airport, and had largely followed through on their pledge to let Americans reach the airport safely. Asked whether he would support Britain's push for sanctions if the Taliban committed abuses, Biden said, "The answer is yes. It depends on the conduct." Taliban militants seized control of Kabul last weekend in an upheaval that sent civilians and Afghan military allies fleeing for safety. Many fear a return to the austere interpretation of Islamic law imposed during the previous Taliban rule that ended 20 years ago. "It is vital that the international community works together to ensure safe evacuations, prevent a humanitarian crisis and support the Afghan people to secure the gains of the last 20 years," Johnson said on Twitter on Sunday. Sanctions against the Taliban are unlikely to be adopted immediately, one Western diplomat said. British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab first raised the possibility of sanctions to pressure the Taliban last week.

Britain to push for sanctions on Taliban at G7 meeting: Sources

Amidst Afghanistan crisis, UK’s Prime Minister Boris Johnson has called an urgent meeting of the G7 representatives to discuss the threat that the Taliban takeover poses for Afghanistan and the rest of the world.<o:p></o:p>

"I will convene G7 leaders on Tuesday for urgent talks on the situation in Afghanistan," Johnson tweeted. "It is vital that the international community works together to ensure safe evacuations, prevent a humanitarian crisis and support the Afghan people to secure the gains of the last 20 years."

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I will convene G7 leaders on Tuesday for urgent talks on the situation in Afghanistan. It is vital that the international community works together to ensure safe evacuations, prevent a humanitarian crisis and support the Afghan people to secure the gains of the last 20 years.
— Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) <a href="https://twitter.com/BorisJohnson/status/1429423519612481536?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 22, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The UK currently chairs the G7 group which includes&nbsp;Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the United State

His statement has come a little after the locals in the UK took to the streets to protest the Taliban’s establishment of new regime in Afghanistan.<o:p></o:p>

<o:p></o:p>

Thousands gathered in London’s Hyde Park and marched down to Whitehall, past Downing Street around lunchtime.

<o:p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/ground-report-afghanistans-day-6-under-taliban-407592">WATCH |</a></o:p>

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These demonstrators carried and placards and chanted slogans to express their anger towards the Taliban as many believe that "Talib has not changed".<o:p></o:p>

They demanded the Taliban to “stop killing Afghans" and "stop the oppression of Afghan women" as they waved the black, red and green national flag of Afghanistan.

<o:p>Johnson's statement has come a little after the&nbsp;UK's defence ministry said that at least seven people were killed in the chaos near Kabul airport.</o:p>

Amidst Afghanistan crisis, UK’s Prime Minister Boris Johnson has called an urgent meeting of the G7 representatives to discuss the threat that the Taliban takeover poses for Afghanistan and the rest of the world.

Amidst Afghanistan crisis, UK’s Prime Minister Boris Johnson has called an urgent meeting of the G7 representatives to discuss the threat that the Taliban takeover poses for Afghanistan and the rest of the world. "I will convene G7 leaders on Tuesday for urgent talks on the situation in Afghanistan," Johnson tweeted. "It is vital that the international community works together to ensure safe evacuations, prevent a humanitarian crisis and support the Afghan people to secure the gains of the last 20 years." I will convene G7 leaders on Tuesday for urgent talks on the situation in Afghanistan. It is vital that the international community works together to ensure safe evacuations, prevent a humanitarian crisis and support the Afghan people to secure the gains of the last 20 years. — Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) August 22, 2021 × The UK currently chairs the G7 group which includes Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the United State His statement has come a little after the locals in the UK took to the streets to protest the Taliban’s establishment of new regime in Afghanistan. Thousands gathered in London’s Hyde Park and marched down to Whitehall, past Downing Street around lunchtime. WATCH | These demonstrators carried and placards and chanted slogans to express their anger towards the Taliban as many believe that "Talib has not changed". They demanded the Taliban to “stop killing Afghans" and "stop the oppression of Afghan women" as they waved the black, red and green national flag of Afghanistan. Johnson's statement has come a little after the UK's defence ministry said that at least seven people were killed in the chaos near Kabul airport.

UK PM Boris Johnson convenes G7 to discuss Afghanistan crisis

US&nbsp;President Joe Biden spoke with British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Tuesday on the situation in Afghanistan and they agreed to hold a virtual G7 leaders’ meeting next week to discuss a common strategy and approach, the White House said. 
 
The two leaders "discussed the need for continued close coordination among allies and democratic partners on Afghanistan policy going forward, including ways the global community can provide further humanitarian assistance and support for refugees and other vulnerable Afghans," the White House said in a statement. 
 
The decision by US&nbsp;President Joe Biden, a Democrat, to stick to the troop withdrawal deal struck by his Republican predecessor Donald Trump has stirred widespread criticism at home and among US&nbsp;allies. 
 
The United States and Western allies resumed evacuating diplomats and civilians on Tuesday, the day after scenes of chaos at Kabul airport as Afghans thronged the runway. 
 
As they rush to evacuate, foreign powers are assessing how to respond to the transformed situation on the ground after Afghan forces melted away in just days, with what many had predicted as the likely fast unraveling of women's rights. 
 
A Downing Street spokesperson said Johnson in the call with Biden "stressed the importance of not losing the gains made in Afghanistan over the last 20 years, of protecting ourselves against any emerging threat from terrorism and of continuing to support the people of Afghanistan," a Downing Street spokesperson said.

US President Joe Biden spoke with British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Tuesday on the situation in Afghanistan and they agreed to hold a virtual G7 leaders’ meeting next week to discuss a common strategy and approach, the White House said.

US President Joe Biden spoke with British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Tuesday on the situation in Afghanistan and they agreed to hold a virtual G7 leaders’ meeting next week to discuss a common strategy and approach, the White House said. The two leaders "discussed the need for continued close coordination among allies and democratic partners on Afghanistan policy going forward, including ways the global community can provide further humanitarian assistance and support for refugees and other vulnerable Afghans," the White House said in a statement. The decision by US President Joe Biden, a Democrat, to stick to the troop withdrawal deal struck by his Republican predecessor Donald Trump has stirred widespread criticism at home and among US allies. The United States and Western allies resumed evacuating diplomats and civilians on Tuesday, the day after scenes of chaos at Kabul airport as Afghans thronged the runway. As they rush to evacuate, foreign powers are assessing how to respond to the transformed situation on the ground after Afghan forces melted away in just days, with what many had predicted as the likely fast unraveling of women's rights. A Downing Street spokesperson said Johnson in the call with Biden "stressed the importance of not losing the gains made in Afghanistan over the last 20 years, of protecting ourselves against any emerging threat from terrorism and of continuing to support the people of Afghanistan," a Downing Street spokesperson said.

Biden, Johnson discuss Afghanistan on call, agree to hold G7 meeting

Maritime tensions are running high in west Asia after an oil tanker managed by an Israeli billionaire was hit by a drone attack last month. Iran has now been isolated over the attack it denied any involvement in.

Israel Tanker Attack: G7 Blames Iran in lethal tanker attack

Britain's&nbsp;Prince&nbsp;Charles said Wednesday that&nbsp;India, whose solar power efforts are an example to the world, has a vital role to play in the global search for nature-based and technology-driven solutions which are critical to accelerating the move towards a zero-carbon future.

In an address to the&nbsp;India Global Forum session on Climate Action, the&nbsp;72-year-old heir to the British throne and environmental campaigner,&nbsp;called upon Indian entrepreneurs and CEOs to join the Sustainable Markets India Council, launched to seek out sustainable investments to influence an acceleration towards climate action goals.

''With India's global reach and robust private sector, I believe there are some key ways we can work together to accelerate our efforts and build a more sustainable future. Firstly, we need to focus on accelerating the flow of private capital to support the transition,'' said&nbsp;Prince Charles.

The royal laid out the vision behind his Sustainable Markets Initiative, which he launched in January 2020, to get CEOs from almost every sector together with the express aim of identifying obstacles to progress and finding game-changing ways to accelerate the transition to a zero-carbon future.

The efforts have identified large financing gaps&nbsp;around sustainable initiatives, in the areas of green energy, water, sanitation, transport, and other critical infrastructure.

''In January this year, I launched the Terra Carta as the mandate of my Sustainable Markets Initiative and the basis of a recovery plan for nature, people, and the planet. At this historic tipping point, the Terra Carta offers a roadmap for acceleration towards a genuinely sustainable future, one that harnesses the power of nature combined with the transformative innovation and resources of the private sector,''&nbsp;he said.

Prince Charles focussed specifically on the need for a clear set of "global farm metrics" to create sustainable supply chains.

''With agriculture being so critical to the Indian economy, there is a real opportunity to explore how such metrics could support the lives and livelihoods of farmers in India as well as wider supply chains and markets,''&nbsp;he said.

''With India being a global centre of technology and innovation, combined with a deep connection to nature and harmony, you have an absolutely vital role to play in this effort. Particularly, in view of India's wealth of entrepreneurial talent,''&nbsp;he said, adding that India would play an ''essential part''&nbsp;as these efforts are further developed at the COP26 UN climate summit, to be hosted by the UK in Glasgow in November.

Previously,&nbsp;in an address to the Group of Seven nations, Charles had urged the leaders to tackle climate change like they did the pandemic.

"Climate change and biodiversity loss represent a borderless crisis, the solutions to which have been argued about and postponed for far too long,"&nbsp;Charles&nbsp;said.

Advocacy groups believe that&nbsp;the G7 and other rich nations have&nbsp;to deliver on a promise of $100 billion a year in financing to help poor countries overhaul their economies and adapt to the impacts of climate change, or risk failure at November's climate summit.

(With inputs from agencies)

Britain's Prince Charles said Wednesday that India, whose solar power efforts are an example to the world, has a vital role to play in the global search for nature-based and technology-driven solutions which are critical to accelerating the move towards a zero-carbon future.

Britain's Prince Charles said Wednesday that India, whose solar power efforts are an example to the world, has a vital role to play in the global search for nature-based and technology-driven solutions which are critical to accelerating the move towards a zero-carbon future. In an address to the India Global Forum session on Climate Action, the 72-year-old heir to the British throne and environmental campaigner, called upon Indian entrepreneurs and CEOs to join the Sustainable Markets India Council, launched to seek out sustainable investments to influence an acceleration towards climate action goals. ''With India's global reach and robust private sector, I believe there are some key ways we can work together to accelerate our efforts and build a more sustainable future. Firstly, we need to focus on accelerating the flow of private capital to support the transition,'' said Prince Charles. The royal laid out the vision behind his Sustainable Markets Initiative, which he launched in January 2020, to get CEOs from almost every sector together with the express aim of identifying obstacles to progress and finding game-changing ways to accelerate the transition to a zero-carbon future. The efforts have identified large financing gaps around sustainable initiatives, in the areas of green energy, water, sanitation, transport, and other critical infrastructure. ''In January this year, I launched the Terra Carta as the mandate of my Sustainable Markets Initiative and the basis of a recovery plan for nature, people, and the planet. At this historic tipping point, the Terra Carta offers a roadmap for acceleration towards a genuinely sustainable future, one that harnesses the power of nature combined with the transformative innovation and resources of the private sector,'' he said. Prince Charles focussed specifically on the need for a clear set of "global farm metrics" to create sustainable supply chains. ''With agriculture being so critical to the Indian economy, there is a real opportunity to explore how such metrics could support the lives and livelihoods of farmers in India as well as wider supply chains and markets,'' he said. ''With India being a global centre of technology and innovation, combined with a deep connection to nature and harmony, you have an absolutely vital role to play in this effort. Particularly, in view of India's wealth of entrepreneurial talent,'' he said, adding that India would play an ''essential part'' as these efforts are further developed at the COP26 UN climate summit, to be hosted by the UK in Glasgow in November. Previously, in an address to the Group of Seven nations, Charles had urged the leaders to tackle climate change like they did the pandemic. "Climate change and biodiversity loss represent a borderless crisis, the solutions to which have been argued about and postponed for far too long," Charles said. Advocacy groups believe that the G7 and other rich nations have to deliver on a promise of $100 billion a year in financing to help poor countries overhaul their economies and adapt to the impacts of climate change, or risk failure at November's climate summit. (With inputs from agencies)

'Leading by example': Prince Charles praises India's solar power efforts

The number of persons sentenced to long prison terms in Xinjiang has increased dramatically since 2014 when Beijing intensified its crackdown on the region's Muslim-majority Uyghurs.&nbsp;

The Chinese government has been accused by the US State Department and human rights organisations of detaining up to two million Uyghurs and Muslim minorities in extralegal detention camps, which Beijing claims are "vocational training centres" aimed to prevent separatism and religious extremism.&nbsp; 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-accusations-of-genocide-from-the-west-china-policies-could-cut-millions-of-uyghur-births-in-xinjiang-report-389838">Also Read |&nbsp;Amid accusations of genocide from the West, China policies could cut millions of Uyghur births in Xinjiang: Report</a>

There is a separate programme that includes the long-term imprisonment of Uyghurs for alleged offences including terrorism, separatism, and inciting ethnic hatred, in addition to the detention system (vocational training centres).&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

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According to a news report by CNN, Newlyweds Mehray Mezensof and Mirzat Taher were two days from leaving Xinjiang to start a new life in Australia when Chinese police knocked on their door in April 2017, seized Taher`s passport and threw him into detention. 
 
Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/persecution-of-uyghur-muslims-china-hits-back-at-g7-rights-criticism-383240">Persecution of Uyghur Muslims: China hits back at G7 rights criticism</a>

During the next four years, Taher was imprisoned in Xinjiang detention centres on three separate occasions for months at a time, Mezensof told CNN from her home in Melbourne, where the married couple had hoped to live together.

Then in April this year, she received a phone call to say her husband had been tried for separatism and sentenced to 25 years in prison.

"How could they be that cruel, like how can they be that heartless? My husband didn`t do anything. And he`s already been through so much in the last four years," she said.

The detainee's records don't reveal the crimes committed, or profile the religion or ethnicity of those convicted, reported Rebecca Wright, Ivan Watson and Ben Westcott. Nathan Ruser, a researcher at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI) and author of a report into Xinjiang satellite imagery, said evidence of increased prison infrastructure and Uyghur testimony from the region indicated that systemic persecution through the courts was likely still prevalent, informed CNN reporters.

In Xinjiang, around 21,000 people were sentenced to prison in 2014.

After four years, the figure had risen to approximately 133,200.

In a territory with a population of almost 25 million people, more than a quarter of a million people were imprisoned between 2016 and 2018.

As more people were sentenced to prison, the length of their sentences grew longer.&nbsp;

The evidence and proves supporting the convictions was not always shared or explained.

Human rights groups have long questioned China's legal system, which has a conviction rate of more than 99%.Out of 1.5 million cases, just 656 people were judged not guilty in Chinese courts in 2020.

(With inputs from agencies)

The number of persons sentenced to long prison terms in Xinjiang has increased dramatically since 2014 when Beijing intensified its crackdown on the region's Muslim-majority Uyghurs.

The number of persons sentenced to long prison terms in Xinjiang has increased dramatically since 2014 when Beijing intensified its crackdown on the region's Muslim-majority Uyghurs. The Chinese government has been accused by the US State Department and human rights organisations of detaining up to two million Uyghurs and Muslim minorities in extralegal detention camps, which Beijing claims are "vocational training centres" aimed to prevent separatism and religious extremism. Also Read | Amid accusations of genocide from the West, China policies could cut millions of Uyghur births in Xinjiang: Report There is a separate programme that includes the long-term imprisonment of Uyghurs for alleged offences including terrorism, separatism, and inciting ethnic hatred, in addition to the detention system (vocational training centres). According to a news report by CNN, Newlyweds Mehray Mezensof and Mirzat Taher were two days from leaving Xinjiang to start a new life in Australia when Chinese police knocked on their door in April 2017, seized Taher`s passport and threw him into detention. Also Read | Persecution of Uyghur Muslims: China hits back at G7 rights criticism During the next four years, Taher was imprisoned in Xinjiang detention centres on three separate occasions for months at a time, Mezensof told CNN from her home in Melbourne, where the married couple had hoped to live together. Then in April this year, she received a phone call to say her husband had been tried for separatism and sentenced to 25 years in prison. "How could they be that cruel, like how can they be that heartless? My husband didn`t do anything. And he`s already been through so much in the last four years," she said. The detainee's records don't reveal the crimes committed, or profile the religion or ethnicity of those convicted, reported Rebecca Wright, Ivan Watson and Ben Westcott. Nathan Ruser, a researcher at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI) and author of a report into Xinjiang satellite imagery, said evidence of increased prison infrastructure and Uyghur testimony from the region indicated that systemic persecution through the courts was likely still prevalent, informed CNN reporters. In Xinjiang, around 21,000 people were sentenced to prison in 2014. After four years, the figure had risen to approximately 133,200. In a territory with a population of almost 25 million people, more than a quarter of a million people were imprisoned between 2016 and 2018. As more people were sentenced to prison, the length of their sentences grew longer. The evidence and proves supporting the convictions was not always shared or explained. Human rights groups have long questioned China's legal system, which has a conviction rate of more than 99%.Out of 1.5 million cases, just 656 people were judged not guilty in Chinese courts in 2020. (With inputs from agencies)

'How could they be that cruel and heartless?': Uyghurs in China given long prison sentences

Many of the donated G7 doses will be filtered through Covax, a global body charged with ensuring equitable vaccine distribution.

Global leaders pledge to share COVID-19 vaccine doses internationally

China appeared to tread cautiously after sharp rebukes from the G7 & NATO, accusing the alliances of exaggerating the China threat. Has the anti-China alliance already rattled Beijing? How will it respond? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: China rattled after takedown by NATO & G7?

Outgoing UN&nbsp;aid chief Mark Lowcock slammed the Group of Seven wealthy nations on Monday for failing to come up with a plan to vaccinate the world against COVID-19, describing the G7 pledge to provide one billion doses over the next year as a 'small step'. 
 
"These sporadic, small-scale, charitable handouts from rich countries to poor countries is not a serious plan and it will not bring the pandemic to an end," Lowcock, who steps down on Friday, said. "The G7, essentially, completely failed to show the necessary urgency." 
 
The leaders of the United States, Japan, Germany, Britain, France, Italy and Canada met in Cornwall, England over the weekend and also agreed to work with the private sector, the Group of 20 industrialised nations and other countries to increase the vaccine contribution over months to come. 
 
"They took a small step - at that very, very nice resort in Cornwall - but they shouldn't kid themselves it's more than a small step and they have still have a lot to do," Lowcock said. 
 
"What the world needed from the G7 was a plan to vaccinate the world. And what we got was a plan to vaccinate about 10% of the population of low and middle income countries, maybe by a year from now or the second half of next year," he said. 
 
In May, the International Monetary Fund unveiled a $50 billion proposal to end the COVID-19 pandemic by vaccinating at least 40% of the population in all countries by the end of 2021 and at least 60% by the first half of 2022. 
 
"That is the deal of the century," said Lowcock, adding that the G7 could also have done a lot more to provide vital supplies, such as oxygen ventilators, testing kits and protective equipment, to countries, who are going to have to wait longer for vaccines. 
 
UN&nbsp;Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Friday urged world leaders to act with more urgency, warning that if developing countries were not vaccinated quickly, the virus would continue to mutate and could become immune to inoculation. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Outgoing UN aid chief Mark Lowcock slammed the Group of Seven wealthy nations on Monday for failing to come up with a plan to vaccinate the world against COVID-19, describing the G7 pledge to provide one billion doses over the next year as a 'small step'.

Outgoing UN aid chief Mark Lowcock slammed the Group of Seven wealthy nations on Monday for failing to come up with a plan to vaccinate the world against COVID-19, describing the G7 pledge to provide one billion doses over the next year as a 'small step'. "These sporadic, small-scale, charitable handouts from rich countries to poor countries is not a serious plan and it will not bring the pandemic to an end," Lowcock, who steps down on Friday, said. "The G7, essentially, completely failed to show the necessary urgency." The leaders of the United States, Japan, Germany, Britain, France, Italy and Canada met in Cornwall, England over the weekend and also agreed to work with the private sector, the Group of 20 industrialised nations and other countries to increase the vaccine contribution over months to come. "They took a small step - at that very, very nice resort in Cornwall - but they shouldn't kid themselves it's more than a small step and they have still have a lot to do," Lowcock said. "What the world needed from the G7 was a plan to vaccinate the world. And what we got was a plan to vaccinate about 10% of the population of low and middle income countries, maybe by a year from now or the second half of next year," he said. In May, the International Monetary Fund unveiled a $50 billion proposal to end the COVID-19 pandemic by vaccinating at least 40% of the population in all countries by the end of 2021 and at least 60% by the first half of 2022. "That is the deal of the century," said Lowcock, adding that the G7 could also have done a lot more to provide vital supplies, such as oxygen ventilators, testing kits and protective equipment, to countries, who are going to have to wait longer for vaccines. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Friday urged world leaders to act with more urgency, warning that if developing countries were not vaccinated quickly, the virus would continue to mutate and could become immune to inoculation. (With inputs from agencies)

Outgoing UN aid chief slams G7 for failing on vaccine plan

Belgian&nbsp;lawmakers on Tuesday put forward a resolution warning of a "serious risk of genocide" against the Uyghur Muslim minority in China's Xinjiang region, adding to Western pressure on Beijing.

Samuel Cogolati, the MP who authored the resolution, said the&nbsp;motion was approved by the parliament's foreign relations committee and will be confirmed by a plenary session on July 1.

Cogolati, who has himself already been hit by sanctions from Beijing, initially pushed for a tougher statement blaming China for committing the "crime of genocide".&nbsp;

But the resolution was toned down last week after a debate inside Belgium's majority coalition of liberals, socialists and greens. &nbsp;

Cogolati still welcomed Tuesday's approval as "a historic vote, that was unimaginable a month ago".&nbsp;

Those behind the text said it would make Belgium's the sixth democratic parliament after Canada, the Netherlands, Britain, Lithuania, and the Czech Republic to denounce "crimes against humanity" against the Uyghurs.

Earlier,&nbsp;G7 leaders on Sunday called on China in a joint statement after their meeting "to respect human rights and fundamental freedoms, especially in relation to Xinjiang".

A report from rights group Amnesty International last week accused Beijing of "systematic state-organised mass imprisonment, torture and persecution amounting to crimes against humanity" in the northwestern region.

China denies allegations that it is committing crimes on a vast scale by forcing up to one million Uyghurs and people from other ethnic-Turkic minorities into internment camps in the region of Xinjiang.

Belgian lawmakers on Tuesday put forward a resolution warning of a "serious risk of genocide" against the Uyghur Muslim minority in China's Xinjiang region, adding to Western pressure on Beijing.

Belgian lawmakers on Tuesday put forward a resolution warning of a "serious risk of genocide" against the Uyghur Muslim minority in China's Xinjiang region, adding to Western pressure on Beijing. Samuel Cogolati, the MP who authored the resolution, said the motion was approved by the parliament's foreign relations committee and will be confirmed by a plenary session on July 1. Cogolati, who has himself already been hit by sanctions from Beijing, initially pushed for a tougher statement blaming China for committing the "crime of genocide". But the resolution was toned down last week after a debate inside Belgium's majority coalition of liberals, socialists and greens. Cogolati still welcomed Tuesday's approval as "a historic vote, that was unimaginable a month ago". Those behind the text said it would make Belgium's the sixth democratic parliament after Canada, the Netherlands, Britain, Lithuania, and the Czech Republic to denounce "crimes against humanity" against the Uyghurs. Earlier, G7 leaders on Sunday called on China in a joint statement after their meeting "to respect human rights and fundamental freedoms, especially in relation to Xinjiang". A report from rights group Amnesty International last week accused Beijing of "systematic state-organised mass imprisonment, torture and persecution amounting to crimes against humanity" in the northwestern region. China denies allegations that it is committing crimes on a vast scale by forcing up to one million Uyghurs and people from other ethnic-Turkic minorities into internment camps in the region of Xinjiang.

Belgian lawmakers put forward resolution warning 'risk of genocide' of China's Uyghurs

World Health Organization (WHO) on Monday welcomed the pledge made by G7 nations to donate 870 million vaccine doses. However, WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus underlined that more help was needed.

"I welcome the support expressed by the G7 for WHO...This is a big help, but we need more and we need them faster," said Dr Ghebreyesus.

Faced with outrage over disparities in jab access, the Group of Seven industrialised powers pledged during a weekend summit in Britain to take their total dose donations to more than one billion, up from 130 million promised in February.

While people in many wealthy nations are enjoying a return to a sense of normalcy thanks to high vaccination rates, the shots remain scarce in less well-off parts of the world.

In terms of doses administered, the imbalance between the G7 and low-income countries, as defined by the World Bank, is 73 to one.

Many of the donated G7 doses will be filtered through Covax, a global body charged with ensuring equitable vaccine distribution.

Run by the WHO, the Gavi vaccine alliance and CEPI, the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations, it has to date shipped more than 87 million vaccine doses to 131 countries -- far fewer than anticipated.

70% target

The WHO wants at least 70 percent of the world's population vaccinated by the next G7 meeting in Germany next year.

"To do that, we need 11 billion doses. The G7 and G20 can make this happen," said Tedros. 
Medical charity Doctors Without Borders questioned how sincere the G7 was in pursuing vaccine equity.

"We need to see more clarity around the actual number of doses donated, and exactly how long it's going to take to translate their pledges into real impact and access," the medical charity's Hu Yuanqiong told AFP.

(With inputs from agencies)

World Health Organization (WHO) on Monday welcomed the pledge made by G7 nations to donate 870 million vaccine doses. However, WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus underlined that more help was needed.

World Health Organization (WHO) on Monday welcomed the pledge made by G7 nations to donate 870 million vaccine doses. However, WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus underlined that more help was needed. "I welcome the support expressed by the G7 for WHO...This is a big help, but we need more and we need them faster," said Dr Ghebreyesus. Faced with outrage over disparities in jab access, the Group of Seven industrialised powers pledged during a weekend summit in Britain to take their total dose donations to more than one billion, up from 130 million promised in February. While people in many wealthy nations are enjoying a return to a sense of normalcy thanks to high vaccination rates, the shots remain scarce in less well-off parts of the world. In terms of doses administered, the imbalance between the G7 and low-income countries, as defined by the World Bank, is 73 to one. Many of the donated G7 doses will be filtered through Covax, a global body charged with ensuring equitable vaccine distribution. Run by the WHO, the Gavi vaccine alliance and CEPI, the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations, it has to date shipped more than 87 million vaccine doses to 131 countries -- far fewer than anticipated. 70% target The WHO wants at least 70 percent of the world's population vaccinated by the next G7 meeting in Germany next year. "To do that, we need 11 billion doses. The G7 and G20 can make this happen," said Tedros. Medical charity Doctors Without Borders questioned how sincere the G7 was in pursuing vaccine equity. "We need to see more clarity around the actual number of doses donated, and exactly how long it's going to take to translate their pledges into real impact and access," the medical charity's Hu Yuanqiong told AFP. (With inputs from agencies)

G7 vaccine pledge is 'big help' but 'more' is needed: WHO

Group of Seven&nbsp;leaders&nbsp;on Sunday&nbsp;agreed&nbsp;to&nbsp;coordinate&nbsp;their response to the challenges posed by&nbsp;China&nbsp;"much&nbsp;much&nbsp;more&nbsp;closely", Canadian Prime Minister Justin&nbsp;Trudeau&nbsp;said after a summit in Britain.

Trudeau&nbsp;led a&nbsp;G7&nbsp;discussion of&nbsp;China&nbsp;on Saturday and called for a unified&nbsp;approach, a source said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/g7-adopts-global-infrastructure-plan-an-answer-to-chinas-belt-and-road-initiative-391026">G7 adopts global infrastructure plan, an answer to China's Belt and Road Initiative</a>

The grouping needed to "stand strong and united" on&nbsp;China&nbsp;and&nbsp;agreed&nbsp;to measures to do that,&nbsp;Trudeau&nbsp;said.

"What we really came together clearly to say and put forward today was a need to speak with one voice, a need to&nbsp;coordinate&nbsp;much&nbsp;more&nbsp;closely&nbsp;our working together and our focus," he told a televised news conference.

One concrete example of&nbsp;G7&nbsp;action was its offer to help developing nations with an infrastructure plan that could rival Beijing's Belt and Road initiative, he said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-cautions-g7-small-groups-dont-rule-the-world-391151">China cautions G7: 'Small' groups don't rule the world</a>&nbsp;

On some issues, such as climate change, the&nbsp;G7&nbsp;needed to work with&nbsp;China, he said.

"There are areas where we need to challenge&nbsp;China&nbsp;directly, for example on human rights. So a firm united position such as the one we established here at the&nbsp;G7&nbsp;will continue to show our&nbsp;approach&nbsp;based on shared values and respect for international rights is good not just for us but the planet," he added.

Group of Seven leaders on Sunday agreed to coordinate their response to the challenges posed by China "much much more closely", Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said after a summit in Britain.

Group of Seven leaders on Sunday agreed to coordinate their response to the challenges posed by China "much much more closely", Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said after a summit in Britain. Trudeau led a G7 discussion of China on Saturday and called for a unified approach, a source said. Also read | G7 adopts global infrastructure plan, an answer to China's Belt and Road Initiative The grouping needed to "stand strong and united" on China and agreed to measures to do that, Trudeau said. "What we really came together clearly to say and put forward today was a need to speak with one voice, a need to coordinate much more closely our working together and our focus," he told a televised news conference. One concrete example of G7 action was its offer to help developing nations with an infrastructure plan that could rival Beijing's Belt and Road initiative, he said. Also read | China cautions G7: 'Small' groups don't rule the world On some issues, such as climate change, the G7 needed to work with China, he said. "There are areas where we need to challenge China directly, for example on human rights. So a firm united position such as the one we established here at the G7 will continue to show our approach based on shared values and respect for international rights is good not just for us but the planet," he added.

G7 leaders agreed to coordinate China approach much more closely - Canada PM Trudeau

US President Joe Biden on Monday (Indian time) appeared to mistake Syria for Libya at news conference after G7 summit in the UK. He appeared to make the mistake twice.

He was describing how the US and Russia can work together for the welfare of people of Libya (instead of Syria). In Syria, both US and Russia are involved in a decade-long civil conflict.

The 78-year-old gaffe-prone Biden was attending his first G7 summit as a US president.

Biden will meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin at a summit in Geneva on Wednesday (June 16).

During his participation in the G7 Summit, Biden kept the heat up on Russia and China who he said were throwing up 'new challenges'

"I think that there is a growing recognition over the last couple of years that we have new challenges," Biden told NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg at bilateral talks ahead of the main summit.

"We have Russia that is not acting in a way that is consistent with what we had hoped, as well as China," he said.

"I want to make it clear: NATO is critically important for US interests in and of itself. If there weren't one, we'd have to invent it," he said.

NATO trained its guns on China and Russia as well.&nbsp;

"Until Russia demonstrates compliance with international law and its international obligations and responsibilities, there can be no return to 'business as usual'," the summit's final statement said.

"China's stated ambitions and assertive behaviour present systemic challenges to the rules-based international order and to areas relevant to Alliance security," a summit statement said.

(With inputs from agencies)

US President Joe Biden on Monday (Indian time) appeared to mistake Syria for Libya at news conference after G7 summit in the UK. He appeared to make the mistake twice.

US President Joe Biden on Monday (Indian time) appeared to mistake Syria for Libya at news conference after G7 summit in the UK. He appeared to make the mistake twice. He was describing how the US and Russia can work together for the welfare of people of Libya (instead of Syria). In Syria, both US and Russia are involved in a decade-long civil conflict. The 78-year-old gaffe-prone Biden was attending his first G7 summit as a US president. Biden will meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin at a summit in Geneva on Wednesday (June 16). During his participation in the G7 Summit, Biden kept the heat up on Russia and China who he said were throwing up 'new challenges' "I think that there is a growing recognition over the last couple of years that we have new challenges," Biden told NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg at bilateral talks ahead of the main summit. "We have Russia that is not acting in a way that is consistent with what we had hoped, as well as China," he said. "I want to make it clear: NATO is critically important for US interests in and of itself. If there weren't one, we'd have to invent it," he said. NATO trained its guns on China and Russia as well. "Until Russia demonstrates compliance with international law and its international obligations and responsibilities, there can be no return to 'business as usual'," the summit's final statement said. "China's stated ambitions and assertive behaviour present systemic challenges to the rules-based international order and to areas relevant to Alliance security," a summit statement said. (With inputs from agencies)

Biden mixes up Syria and Libya at G7 news conference

The G7, which holds its first formal summit in nearly two years this weekend in Cornwall, southwest England, is a grouping of major wealthy powers created in 1975. Initially 6 nations formed an informal group and later Canada joined in year 1976. G7 is cosidered as a group of the world's top 7 powerful nations. Watch this video to know its whole history.

G7: Its purpose and history of influence

Ukraine's president, Volodymyr Zelenskiy, thanked the G7 group of wealthy industrial nations on Sunday after it voiced support for Kyiv and called on Russia to withdraw troops and weapons from near Ukraine's eastern border. 
 
Leaders of the United States, Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy and Japan reaffirmed their backing for Ukraine and called on Moscow to stop its destabilising behaviour in a communique issued after a three-day summit in the UK. 
 
"Commend the unwavering support by #G7 states in the Summit's communiqué," Zelenskiy wrote in Twitter. 
 
"Grateful to leaders for the continued support for Ukraine's independence &amp; sovereignty &amp; the call to the aggressor to withdraw troops from Ukraine's borders &amp; Crimea. #Crimea is Ukraine!" 
 
Kyiv hopes pressure from Western allies could force Moscow to withdraw tens of thousands of its troops deployed in April near Ukraine's eastern border and in Crimea, which Russia annexed in 2014. 
 
The West expressed concern about the worsening of the situation in the eastern region of Donbass, where Ukrainian troops fought Russian-backed forces in a conflict that Kyiv said had killed 14,000 people since 2014. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Ukraine's president, Volodymyr Zelenskiy, thanked the G7 group of wealthy industrial nations on Sunday after it voiced support for Kyiv and called on Russia to withdraw troops and weapons from near Ukraine's eastern border.

Ukraine's president, Volodymyr Zelenskiy, thanked the G7 group of wealthy industrial nations on Sunday after it voiced support for Kyiv and called on Russia to withdraw troops and weapons from near Ukraine's eastern border. Leaders of the United States, Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy and Japan reaffirmed their backing for Ukraine and called on Moscow to stop its destabilising behaviour in a communique issued after a three-day summit in the UK. "Commend the unwavering support by #G7 states in the Summit's communiqué," Zelenskiy wrote in Twitter. "Grateful to leaders for the continued support for Ukraine's independence & sovereignty & the call to the aggressor to withdraw troops from Ukraine's borders & Crimea. #Crimea is Ukraine!" Kyiv hopes pressure from Western allies could force Moscow to withdraw tens of thousands of its troops deployed in April near Ukraine's eastern border and in Crimea, which Russia annexed in 2014. The West expressed concern about the worsening of the situation in the eastern region of Donbass, where Ukrainian troops fought Russian-backed forces in a conflict that Kyiv said had killed 14,000 people since 2014. (With inputs from agencies)

Ukraine's president thanks G7 nations for support

US President Joe Biden on Sunday said that 'autocrat' Vladimir Putin was right to suggest that relations between USA and Russia were at their lowest. Biden suggested that Russia might be weaker than it seemed.

Biden says 'autocrat' Putin's Russia might be weaker than it seems

Taiwan will be a 'force for good' and continue to seek even greater international support, the presidential office said, after the Chinese-claimed island won unprecedented backing from the Group of Seven of major democracies. 
 
The G7 leaders on Sunday scolded China over human rights in Xinjiang, called for Hong Kong to keep a high degree of autonomy and underscored the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. 
 
Taiwan presidential office spokesman Xavier Chang said this was the first time the G7 leaders' communique has stressed the importance of peace and stability in the strait and first time since its founding there was 'content friendly to Taiwan', expressing deep thanks for the support. 
 
Taiwan and G7 member countries share basic values, such as democracy, freedom, and human rights, he added. 
 
"Taiwan will certainly adhere to its role as a responsible member of the region, and it will also firmly defend the democratic system and safeguard shared universal values," Chang said. 
 
Taiwan will continue to deepen its partnership with G7 states and other like-minded countries and strive for greater support from the international community, he said. 
 
Taiwan will also 'firmly contribute the greatest force for good' for peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region, Chang added. 
 
China has stepped up its pressure against democratically-run Taiwan in recent months, with regular military drills near the island as it tries to assert Beijing's sovereignty. 
 
While most countries, including G7 members, have no formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan, the grouping along with other Western allies have been bolstering their backing for the island. 
 
That includes calling for Taiwan to be given proper access to the World Health Organization during the coronavirus pandemic. Taiwan is not a member due to Chinese objections, which considers it merely one of its provinces with no right to the trappings of a state. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Taiwan will be a 'force for good' and continue to seek even greater international support, the presidential office said, after the Chinese-claimed island won unprecedented backing from the Group of Seven of major democracies.

Taiwan will be a 'force for good' and continue to seek even greater international support, the presidential office said, after the Chinese-claimed island won unprecedented backing from the Group of Seven of major democracies. The G7 leaders on Sunday scolded China over human rights in Xinjiang, called for Hong Kong to keep a high degree of autonomy and underscored the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. Taiwan presidential office spokesman Xavier Chang said this was the first time the G7 leaders' communique has stressed the importance of peace and stability in the strait and first time since its founding there was 'content friendly to Taiwan', expressing deep thanks for the support. Taiwan and G7 member countries share basic values, such as democracy, freedom, and human rights, he added. "Taiwan will certainly adhere to its role as a responsible member of the region, and it will also firmly defend the democratic system and safeguard shared universal values," Chang said. Taiwan will continue to deepen its partnership with G7 states and other like-minded countries and strive for greater support from the international community, he said. Taiwan will also 'firmly contribute the greatest force for good' for peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region, Chang added. China has stepped up its pressure against democratically-run Taiwan in recent months, with regular military drills near the island as it tries to assert Beijing's sovereignty. While most countries, including G7 members, have no formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan, the grouping along with other Western allies have been bolstering their backing for the island. That includes calling for Taiwan to be given proper access to the World Health Organization during the coronavirus pandemic. Taiwan is not a member due to Chinese objections, which considers it merely one of its provinces with no right to the trappings of a state. (With inputs from agencies)

Taiwan says will be 'force for good' after unprecedented G7 support

White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan said on Sunday G7 leaders rallied around the need to "counter and compete" with China on challenges ranging from safeguarding democracy to the technology race. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-says-autocrat-putins-russia-might-be-weaker-than-it-seems-391216">Also read: Biden says 'autocrat' Putin's Russia might be weaker than it seems</a>

On China, the G7 meeting was "a significant move forward from where the G7 has ever been before and reflects a growing convergence that wasn't there a few years ago," Sullivan said aboard Air Force One on its way to Brussels. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/g7-adopts-global-infrastructure-plan-an-answer-to-chinas-belt-and-road-initiative-391026">Also read: G7 adopts global infrastructure plan, an answer to China's Belt and Road Initiative</a> 
 
"There is a broad view that China represents a significant challenge to the world's democracies," Sullivan said, adding that leaders agreed on the need for a common agenda in addressing China, including elements where they would "stand up and counter and compete." 
 
Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/g7-summit-2021-whats-on-the-agenda-watch-wions-special-coverage-391193/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"Words like counter and compete were words coming out of the mouths of every leader in the room, not just Joe Biden," he said.

The Group of Seven rich nations pledged on Sunday to tackle China's growing influence, singling out China in their communique over human rights in Xinjiang and demanding freedoms and a high degree of autonomy for Hong Kong.

Asked to comment on China's remarks about the G7 summit that days were over when "a small group of countries" decided the fate of the world, Sullivan said:

"That is sad. If their claim is that all of the other world's largest economies count as small countries, then they have a massive problem of perspective."

G7 leaders also sought to counter China's growing influence by offering developing countries an infrastructure plan that could rival Beijing's Belt and Road Initiative by supporting projects such as railways in Africa and wind farms in Asia.

Beijing has repeatedly hit back against what it perceives as attempts by Western powers to contain China. It says many major powers are still gripped by an outdated imperial mindset after years of humiliating China.

White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan said on Sunday G7 leaders rallied around the need to "counter and compete" with China on challenges ranging from safeguarding democracy to the technology race.

White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan said on Sunday G7 leaders rallied around the need to "counter and compete" with China on challenges ranging from safeguarding democracy to the technology race. Also read: Biden says 'autocrat' Putin's Russia might be weaker than it seems On China, the G7 meeting was "a significant move forward from where the G7 has ever been before and reflects a growing convergence that wasn't there a few years ago," Sullivan said aboard Air Force One on its way to Brussels. Also read: G7 adopts global infrastructure plan, an answer to China's Belt and Road Initiative "There is a broad view that China represents a significant challenge to the world's democracies," Sullivan said, adding that leaders agreed on the need for a common agenda in addressing China, including elements where they would "stand up and counter and compete." Watch: "Words like counter and compete were words coming out of the mouths of every leader in the room, not just Joe Biden," he said. The Group of Seven rich nations pledged on Sunday to tackle China's growing influence, singling out China in their communique over human rights in Xinjiang and demanding freedoms and a high degree of autonomy for Hong Kong. Asked to comment on China's remarks about the G7 summit that days were over when "a small group of countries" decided the fate of the world, Sullivan said: "That is sad. If their claim is that all of the other world's largest economies count as small countries, then they have a massive problem of perspective." G7 leaders also sought to counter China's growing influence by offering developing countries an infrastructure plan that could rival Beijing's Belt and Road Initiative by supporting projects such as railways in Africa and wind farms in Asia. Beijing has repeatedly hit back against what it perceives as attempts by Western powers to contain China. It says many major powers are still gripped by an outdated imperial mindset after years of humiliating China.

G7 rally around the need to 'counter and compete' with China: White House

An 18th-century lakeside villa steeped in the Swiss city's history has been spruced up for the&nbsp;Geneva summit between US President Joe Biden and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The Villa La Grange, set in Geneva's biggest park which slopes down to the shore, is well used to hosting showpiece events, but the Biden-Putin talks will rank as the most high-powered of them all.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/biden-says-autocrat-putins-russia-might-be-weaker-than-it-seems-391253/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The mansion, spruced up for the occasion, has played a part in landmark international agreements before, notably the first Geneva Convention.

And words said on its lawns by a former world leader resonate today ahead of the US-Russia summit.

"We can establish an even deeper and more effective relationship," said pope Paul VI in 1969.

Addressing a crowd of 70,000 in front of the villa, the pontiff evoked the opposing forces of love and hate and called for "generous peacemakers".

With a specular landscape, views from the three-storey classical mansion sweep down over the Parc de La Grange, across Lake Geneva towards the United Nations and the Jura mountains beyond.&nbsp;

The villa has been a whirlwind of activity in preparation for the summit, with vehicles scurrying in and out of the park.

The paint has been touched up and the chandeliers polished, while antique furniture has been rearranged to make way for the two presidents.

The scene is set in the showpiece library: two wooden armchairs clad in red leather have been set either side of a globe, against a backdrop of brown and gold tones.

Two imposing stone lions -- freshly scrubbed down with pressure hoses -- guard the main entrance gates to the 20-hectare park.

In the immaculately-manicured gardens, new turf has been rolled out to cover any bare patches.

During the summer, the gardens would typically be filled by picnickers.

But the chances of anyone getting in and breaking out some Gruyere cheese and a bottle of local Genevois wine on Wednesday will be somewhat slim.

The park has been closed off and ringed with barbed wire-topped steel fencing, while hundreds of troops and security officers will guard the site.

The grand, classical villa was owned by Genevan patrician families and was ultimately bequeathed to the city.

On rare occasions, the public can take guided tours that take in the library, reception rooms and bedrooms.

The estate was created in the 1660s by the merchant Jacques Franconis. Marc Lullin, a banker, bought it in 1706 and three of his sons built the French-style mansion and its surrounding buildings between 1768 and 1773.

Banker Jean Lullin, having been ruined by the French Revolution, sold it in 1800 to Francois Favre, a Geneva ship owner who made his fortune trading with the East from the French port of Marseille.

The Favre family transformed the house and park, adding the large library which contains some 15,000 books belonging to Francois' son Guillaume.

The oldest volumes date back to the 15th century and the collection is especially strong in history, literature, and ancient languages.&nbsp;

The villa held a gala in 1864 for the diplomats who signed the first Geneva Convention governing the treatment of sick and wounded combatants.

Guillaume's grandson William Favre bequeathed the villa and the estate to the city in 1917, with the house to be used for civic receptions.

When he died the following year, he also left the library collection to Geneva in his will.

The park opened to the public in 1918.

A reception was held at the villa in 1921 for the first Red Cross conference after World War I. The meeting reflected on experiences from the Great War and, for the first time, mandated the organisation to assist victims in civil wars too.

The June 10, 1969 papal visit to Geneva, the epicentre of Calvinism, saw Pope Paul hold an open-air mass in the gardens, with his homily containing words that Biden and Putin could draw upon.

"Here is Switzerland offering us, once again, a moment of relaxation and reflection," the pontiff said.

Peace, he said, was "not a weakness, but a strength.

"Let us strive to be generous peacemakers," he concluded.

(With inputs from agencies)

An 18th-century lakeside villa steeped in the Swiss city's history has been spruced up for the Geneva summit between US President Joe Biden and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

An 18th-century lakeside villa steeped in the Swiss city's history has been spruced up for the Geneva summit between US President Joe Biden and Russian President Vladimir Putin. The Villa La Grange, set in Geneva's biggest park which slopes down to the shore, is well used to hosting showpiece events, but the Biden-Putin talks will rank as the most high-powered of them all. The mansion, spruced up for the occasion, has played a part in landmark international agreements before, notably the first Geneva Convention. And words said on its lawns by a former world leader resonate today ahead of the US-Russia summit. "We can establish an even deeper and more effective relationship," said pope Paul VI in 1969. Addressing a crowd of 70,000 in front of the villa, the pontiff evoked the opposing forces of love and hate and called for "generous peacemakers". With a specular landscape, views from the three-storey classical mansion sweep down over the Parc de La Grange, across Lake Geneva towards the United Nations and the Jura mountains beyond. The villa has been a whirlwind of activity in preparation for the summit, with vehicles scurrying in and out of the park. The paint has been touched up and the chandeliers polished, while antique furniture has been rearranged to make way for the two presidents. The scene is set in the showpiece library: two wooden armchairs clad in red leather have been set either side of a globe, against a backdrop of brown and gold tones. Two imposing stone lions -- freshly scrubbed down with pressure hoses -- guard the main entrance gates to the 20-hectare park. In the immaculately-manicured gardens, new turf has been rolled out to cover any bare patches. During the summer, the gardens would typically be filled by picnickers. But the chances of anyone getting in and breaking out some Gruyere cheese and a bottle of local Genevois wine on Wednesday will be somewhat slim. The park has been closed off and ringed with barbed wire-topped steel fencing, while hundreds of troops and security officers will guard the site. The grand, classical villa was owned by Genevan patrician families and was ultimately bequeathed to the city. On rare occasions, the public can take guided tours that take in the library, reception rooms and bedrooms. The estate was created in the 1660s by the merchant Jacques Franconis. Marc Lullin, a banker, bought it in 1706 and three of his sons built the French-style mansion and its surrounding buildings between 1768 and 1773. Banker Jean Lullin, having been ruined by the French Revolution, sold it in 1800 to Francois Favre, a Geneva ship owner who made his fortune trading with the East from the French port of Marseille. The Favre family transformed the house and park, adding the large library which contains some 15,000 books belonging to Francois' son Guillaume. The oldest volumes date back to the 15th century and the collection is especially strong in history, literature, and ancient languages. The villa held a gala in 1864 for the diplomats who signed the first Geneva Convention governing the treatment of sick and wounded combatants. Guillaume's grandson William Favre bequeathed the villa and the estate to the city in 1917, with the house to be used for civic receptions. When he died the following year, he also left the library collection to Geneva in his will. The park opened to the public in 1918. A reception was held at the villa in 1921 for the first Red Cross conference after World War I. The meeting reflected on experiences from the Great War and, for the first time, mandated the organisation to assist victims in civil wars too. The June 10, 1969 papal visit to Geneva, the epicentre of Calvinism, saw Pope Paul hold an open-air mass in the gardens, with his homily containing words that Biden and Putin could draw upon. "Here is Switzerland offering us, once again, a moment of relaxation and reflection," the pontiff said. Peace, he said, was "not a weakness, but a strength. "Let us strive to be generous peacemakers," he concluded. (With inputs from agencies)

This historic 18th-century lakeside villa has been spruced up for Biden-Putin talks

China on Monday accused the G7 of "political manipulation" after it criticised Beijing over its human rights record in Xinjiang and Hong Kong.

In a communique after a three-day summit in England, G7 leaders slammed China over abuses against minorities in the Xinjiang region and pro-democracy activists in Hong Kong, while US President Joe Biden called for Beijing to "start acting more responsibly in terms of international norms on human rights". 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/g7-rally-around-the-need-to-counter-and-compete-with-china-white-house-391244">Also read | Also read: G7 adopts global infrastructure plan, an answer to China's Belt and Road Initiative</a>

The Chinese embassy in the United Kingdom responded angrily on Monday, and accused the G7 of "interfering".

"The Group of Seven (G-7) takes advantage of Xinjiang-related issues to engage in political manipulation and interfere in China's internal affairs, which we firmly oppose," an embassy spokesman said in a statement.

The statement accused the G7 of "lies, rumours and baseless accusations". 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-says-autocrat-putins-russia-might-be-weaker-than-it-seems-391216">Also read: Biden says 'autocrat' Putin's Russia might be weaker than it seems</a>

Human rights groups say China has rounded up an estimated one million Uyghurs and other minorities in Xinjiang into internment camps, which Beijing says is to eradicate Islamic extremism.

"We will promote our values, including by calling on China to respect human rights and fundamental freedoms" the G7 communique read. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/g7-adopts-global-infrastructure-plan-an-answer-to-chinas-belt-and-road-initiative-391026">Also read: G7 adopts global infrastructure plan, an answer to China's Belt and Road Initiative</a>

At their first physical summit in nearly two years, leaders of the seven nations announced a number of pledges on Covid-19 vaccinations, climate change, rights and trade.

They also called for a new investigation in China into the origins of Covid-19 -- prompting a response from the Chinese embassy that the work needs to be done in a "scientific, objective and fair manner", without agreeing to a new probe.

"The current epidemic is still raging around the world, and the traceability work should be carried out by global scientists and should not be politicized," the embassy said.

The coronavirus first emerged in central China in late 2019, and the World Health Organization sent a team of international experts in January to probe its origins.

But their long-delayed report published in March drew no firm conclusions, and the investigation has since faced criticism for lacking transparency and access.

The G7 also announced a new infrastructure fund which President Biden said would be "much more equitable" than China's massive Belt and Road Initiative.

The Chinese embassy statement complained in response that the "accusations against China on economic and trade issues in the communique are inconsistent with the facts and are unreasonable."

China on Monday accused the G7 of "political manipulation" after it criticised Beijing over its human rights record in Xinjiang and Hong Kong. In a communique after a three-day summit in England, G7 leaders slammed China over abuses against minorities in the Xinjiang region and pro-democracy activists in Hong Kong, while US President Joe Biden called for Beijing to "start acting more responsibly in terms of international norms on human rights".

China on Monday accused the G7 of "political manipulation" after it criticised Beijing over its human rights record in Xinjiang and Hong Kong. In a communique after a three-day summit in England, G7 leaders slammed China over abuses against minorities in the Xinjiang region and pro-democracy activists in Hong Kong, while US President Joe Biden called for Beijing to "start acting more responsibly in terms of international norms on human rights". Also read | Also read: G7 adopts global infrastructure plan, an answer to China's Belt and Road Initiative The Chinese embassy in the United Kingdom responded angrily on Monday, and accused the G7 of "interfering". "The Group of Seven (G-7) takes advantage of Xinjiang-related issues to engage in political manipulation and interfere in China's internal affairs, which we firmly oppose," an embassy spokesman said in a statement. The statement accused the G7 of "lies, rumours and baseless accusations". Also read: Biden says 'autocrat' Putin's Russia might be weaker than it seems Human rights groups say China has rounded up an estimated one million Uyghurs and other minorities in Xinjiang into internment camps, which Beijing says is to eradicate Islamic extremism. "We will promote our values, including by calling on China to respect human rights and fundamental freedoms" the G7 communique read. Also read: G7 adopts global infrastructure plan, an answer to China's Belt and Road Initiative At their first physical summit in nearly two years, leaders of the seven nations announced a number of pledges on Covid-19 vaccinations, climate change, rights and trade. They also called for a new investigation in China into the origins of Covid-19 -- prompting a response from the Chinese embassy that the work needs to be done in a "scientific, objective and fair manner", without agreeing to a new probe. "The current epidemic is still raging around the world, and the traceability work should be carried out by global scientists and should not be politicized," the embassy said. The coronavirus first emerged in central China in late 2019, and the World Health Organization sent a team of international experts in January to probe its origins. But their long-delayed report published in March drew no firm conclusions, and the investigation has since faced criticism for lacking transparency and access. The G7 also announced a new infrastructure fund which President Biden said would be "much more equitable" than China's massive Belt and Road Initiative. The Chinese embassy statement complained in response that the "accusations against China on economic and trade issues in the communique are inconsistent with the facts and are unreasonable."

After Xinjiang and Hong Kong criticism, China slams G7 'manipulation'

In an attempt to tackle climate change, G7 leaders are facing the most important decisions in human history, said naturalist Sir David Attenborough, who will be addressing world leaders gathered at Cornwall for the G7 summit.

In an attempt to tackle climate change, G7 leaders are facing the most important decisions in human history, said naturalist Sir David Attenborough, who will be addressing world leaders gathered at Cornwall for the G7 summit. Sir David has warned that humans could be "on the verge of destabilizing the entire planet". The group of seven countries, which includes, the UK, US, Canada, Japan, France, Germany, and Italy, are expected to increase their climate finance contributions. This will help in meeting an overdue spending pledge of $100 billion a year, in order to help poorer countries cut carbon emissions and cope with global warming. As quotes by BBC, Sir David said, "The natural world today is greatly diminished. That is undeniable. Our climate is warming fast. That is beyond doubt. Our societies and nations are unequal and that is sadly plain to see". Also Read | Our response to climate change is missing something big, scientists say He added, "But the question science forces us to address specifically in 2021 is whether as a result of these intertwined facts we are on the verge of destabilizing the entire planet. If that is so, then the decisions we make this decade - in particular, the decisions made by the most economically advanced nations - are the most important in human history". G7 leaders are also expected to make amends to cut carbon emissions. These will involve measures such as ending almost all direct government support for the fossil fuel energy sector overseas and ruling out parol and diesel cars. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who is the host of the summit has said the G7 wanted to "drive a global Green Industrial Revolution to transform the way we live". He further added, "There is a direct relationship between reducing emissions, restoring nature, creating jobs and ensuring long-term economic growth".

G7 leaders face biggest climate change decisions, says naturalist Sir David Attenborough

India has said that it will study the US President Joe Biden's 'Build Back Better'&nbsp;global infrastructure initiative proposal announced at the G7 summit as an alternative to China`s Belt and Road (BRI).

This plan, which is proposed to be led by major democracies, will provide financial and technological help to narrow the over USD 40 trillion infrastructure need, mainly in the developing world which has been worsened by COVID-19.

It is also expected to create local employment. This initiative at G7 is seen as a potential jolt to Chinese President Xi Jinping's pet project BRI.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/at-g7-pm-modi-highlights-indias-civilisational-commitment-to-democracy-391208">At G7, PM Modi highlights India's civilisational commitment to democracy</a>

India said relevant agencies will be studying the plan and will probably engage with the project later. Briefing reporters, senior ministry of external affairs (MEA) official P Harish said, "On the specific question of joining 'Build back better for the world', I can confirm that relevant agencies of the government of India would study them and would engage with them probably at the later stage.

"China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is already facing criticism even by subscribing countries. Whether it is mounting debt, a lack of local employment or transparency, a lot of questions and red flags have been raised. While India refused to join the Chinese initiative and sees it as an infringement of its territorial integrity, neighbours Pakistan, Nepal and Sri Lanka are part of the BRI.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-invites-india-to-join-g7-health-ministers-summit-virtually-386322">UK invites India to join G7 Health Ministers' Summit virtually</a>

At G7, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged the democratic countries to demonstrate to the world that they can implement projects in a more effective and transparent manner.

According to a senior MEA official, "The PM has emphasised that democracies should demonstrate that in project implementation sphere we can deliver not only within the country but in other countries also. On this issue, the PM referred to India's experience that is in neighbouring countries, African countries and that in development framework partnership. The PM also indicated that India stands ready to do more in this regard keeping in view the ethos of transparency and inclusion.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modis-participation-at-g7-will-be-seamless-uk-tells-india-390904">PM Modi's participation at G7 will be seamless, UK tells India</a>

"At G7, Prime Minister Modi also emphasised the need for open and democratic societies to work together and strengthen each other's hands to defend the values that they hold and to respond to challenges.

When asked whether there was any discussion on the origin of COVID, the MEA official said "I can say that leaders of the G7 and guest countries had a very detailed and intense discussion on the need for reforming global health governance, I would like to emphasise in this regard that India has been actively engaged with the international community at the levels of G20, G7 and the World Health Assembly on various aspects related to dealing with the current pandemic, learning lessons and preparing for future pandemics.

"The India-South Africa TRIPS waiver proposal also found widespread support at the G7 and the need to diversify technology transfer and financing for equitable vaccine distribution.

MEA secretary P Harish said, "There was widespread support in the deliberation for text-based negotiations for India-South Africa proposal for TRIPS waiver at WTO. On the need to provide financial assistance to various manufacturers in the world was general agreement to increase its capacity, regional production hubs, providing financing, technology transfer and skill development in these regions."

"I can say without hesitation that India's engagement with the G7 and guest countries stands on its own. This is the second G7 summit that the PM attended. He attended in France in 2019. This is also the first time India has been engaged and ministerial and working-level tracks as a guest country. This is a significant engagement," the senior MEA official added.

"UK Prime Minister Johnson referred to the four guest countries and working-level tracks as forming a democratic level and many countries appreciated India's G7 engagement and PM Modi's interventions during sessions which found a great resonance in the gathering. So I can say that our engagement was fruitful, was productive and we hope to take forward our engagement in various initiatives including in the run-up to COP26," MEA Secretary P Harish added.

India has said that it will study the US President Joe Biden's 'Build Back Better' global infrastructure initiative proposal announced at the G7 summit as an alternative to China`s Belt and Road (BRI).

India has said that it will study the US President Joe Biden's 'Build Back Better' global infrastructure initiative proposal announced at the G7 summit as an alternative to China`s Belt and Road (BRI). This plan, which is proposed to be led by major democracies, will provide financial and technological help to narrow the over USD 40 trillion infrastructure need, mainly in the developing world which has been worsened by COVID-19. It is also expected to create local employment. This initiative at G7 is seen as a potential jolt to Chinese President Xi Jinping's pet project BRI. Also read | At G7, PM Modi highlights India's civilisational commitment to democracy India said relevant agencies will be studying the plan and will probably engage with the project later. Briefing reporters, senior ministry of external affairs (MEA) official P Harish said, "On the specific question of joining 'Build back better for the world', I can confirm that relevant agencies of the government of India would study them and would engage with them probably at the later stage. "China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is already facing criticism even by subscribing countries. Whether it is mounting debt, a lack of local employment or transparency, a lot of questions and red flags have been raised. While India refused to join the Chinese initiative and sees it as an infringement of its territorial integrity, neighbours Pakistan, Nepal and Sri Lanka are part of the BRI. Also read | UK invites India to join G7 Health Ministers' Summit virtually At G7, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged the democratic countries to demonstrate to the world that they can implement projects in a more effective and transparent manner. According to a senior MEA official, "The PM has emphasised that democracies should demonstrate that in project implementation sphere we can deliver not only within the country but in other countries also. On this issue, the PM referred to India's experience that is in neighbouring countries, African countries and that in development framework partnership. The PM also indicated that India stands ready to do more in this regard keeping in view the ethos of transparency and inclusion. Also read | PM Modi's participation at G7 will be seamless, UK tells India "At G7, Prime Minister Modi also emphasised the need for open and democratic societies to work together and strengthen each other's hands to defend the values that they hold and to respond to challenges. When asked whether there was any discussion on the origin of COVID, the MEA official said "I can say that leaders of the G7 and guest countries had a very detailed and intense discussion on the need for reforming global health governance, I would like to emphasise in this regard that India has been actively engaged with the international community at the levels of G20, G7 and the World Health Assembly on various aspects related to dealing with the current pandemic, learning lessons and preparing for future pandemics. "The India-South Africa TRIPS waiver proposal also found widespread support at the G7 and the need to diversify technology transfer and financing for equitable vaccine distribution. MEA secretary P Harish said, "There was widespread support in the deliberation for text-based negotiations for India-South Africa proposal for TRIPS waiver at WTO. On the need to provide financial assistance to various manufacturers in the world was general agreement to increase its capacity, regional production hubs, providing financing, technology transfer and skill development in these regions." "I can say without hesitation that India's engagement with the G7 and guest countries stands on its own. This is the second G7 summit that the PM attended. He attended in France in 2019. This is also the first time India has been engaged and ministerial and working-level tracks as a guest country. This is a significant engagement," the senior MEA official added. "UK Prime Minister Johnson referred to the four guest countries and working-level tracks as forming a democratic level and many countries appreciated India's G7 engagement and PM Modi's interventions during sessions which found a great resonance in the gathering. So I can say that our engagement was fruitful, was productive and we hope to take forward our engagement in various initiatives including in the run-up to COP26," MEA Secretary P Harish added.

India says will study Biden's infrastructure plan that rivals China's Belt and Road Initiative

US President Joe Biden on Sunday said that 'autocrat' Vladimir Putin was right to suggest that relations between USA and Russia were at their lowest. Biden suggested that Russia might be weaker than it seemed.

Joe Biden argued that the world's richest democracies faced existential contest from "autocrats". This, he said would define 21st century.

Biden is scheduled to attend NATO summit on Monday. He will then meet Putin in Geneva on June 16. The meeting of the two presidents is likely to be a combative encounter given the disputes between the two countries over spying, hacking, election meddling, Ukraine, Belarus and human rights

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-cautions-g7-small-groups-dont-rule-the-world-391151">China cautions G7: 'Small' groups don't rule the world</a>

Biden, who called the former KGB spy a killer in March, cast Russia as engaging in unacceptable behaviour on a range of fronts but also pointed to Russia's own "dilemmas" - its post-Soviet economic collapse, what he called overreach in Syria and problems with COVID-19.

Asked why Putin, who has served as Russia's paramount leader since Boris Yeltsin resigned in 1999, had not changed despite years of Western sanctions, Biden quipped: "He's Vladimir Putin".

"Autocrats have enormous power and they don't have to answer to a public and the fact is that it may very well be if I respond in kind, as I will, that it doesn't dissuade him - he wants to keep going," Biden said of Putin.

The two former Cold War foes have had a turbulent relationship for years though relations soured after Putin sought to rebuild some of the clout lost in the chaotic 1991 Soviet collapse and began meddling far beyond Russia's borders.

U.S. and other Western leaders now see Putin and Xi Jinping's China as their main strategic threats, though the Kremlin dismisses as fiction almost all allegations against Russia and says the West is gripped by anti-Russian hysteria.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

US President Joe Biden on Sunday said that 'autocrat' Vladimir Putin was right to suggest that relations between USA and Russia were at their lowest. Biden suggested that Russia might be weaker than it seemed. Joe Biden argued that the world's richest democracies faced existential contest from "autocrats". This, he said would define 21st century. Biden is scheduled to attend NATO summit on Monday. He will then meet Putin in Geneva on June 16. The meeting of the two presidents is likely to be a combative encounter given the disputes between the two countries over spying, hacking, election meddling, Ukraine, Belarus and human rights Also Read: China cautions G7: 'Small' groups don't rule the world Biden, who called the former KGB spy a killer in March, cast Russia as engaging in unacceptable behaviour on a range of fronts but also pointed to Russia's own "dilemmas" - its post-Soviet economic collapse, what he called overreach in Syria and problems with COVID-19. Asked why Putin, who has served as Russia's paramount leader since Boris Yeltsin resigned in 1999, had not changed despite years of Western sanctions, Biden quipped: "He's Vladimir Putin". "Autocrats have enormous power and they don't have to answer to a public and the fact is that it may very well be if I respond in kind, as I will, that it doesn't dissuade him - he wants to keep going," Biden said of Putin. The two former Cold War foes have had a turbulent relationship for years though relations soured after Putin sought to rebuild some of the clout lost in the chaotic 1991 Soviet collapse and began meddling far beyond Russia's borders. U.S. and other Western leaders now see Putin and Xi Jinping's China as their main strategic threats, though the Kremlin dismisses as fiction almost all allegations against Russia and says the West is gripped by anti-Russian hysteria. (With inputs from agencies)

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday spoke during two sessions at the G7 summit highlighting India's 'civilizational commitment' to democracy and called for collective action on the issue of Climate Change.

At the session titled "Open Societies and Open Economies", PM was the lead speaker, and a joint statement on 'open societies' by leaders of India, South Africa, South Korea, and Australia, and G7 was released.

"As the world’s largest democracy, India is a natural ally for the G7 and guest countries to defend these shared values from a host of threats stemming from authoritarianism, terrorism and violent extremism, disinformation and infodemics and economic coercion", MEA's Additional Secretary (ER) P Harish said at a virtual presser.

On climate change, PM Modi pointed out India's achievements and that it is the only G20 country on track to meet its Paris commitments. He called on G7 grouping to meet the "unfulfilled promise" of $100 billion annually in climate finance as "this challenge cannot be addressed in silos".

This is the 2nd time PM Modi has participated at the G7. He had last participated in 2019 when the summit was held under the chairmanship of France. India was invited last year by US President Donald Trump for the G7 but the meet could not happen due to the Covid pandemic.

On Sunday, PM Modi mentioned India's leadership role on Climate Change such as via International Solar Alliance and CDRI or Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure.

India-led initiatives have seen an increase in global membership.

PM Modi also pointed out the "revolutionary impact of digital technologies" on "social inclusion and empowerment in India" via Aadhaar, DBT (Direct Benefit Transfer), and JAM (Jan Dhan- Aadhaar- Mobile) trinity.

PM Modi on Saturday had addressed the session on health and had given out the mantra of 'One Earth, One Health'. He sought &nbsp;G7's support for the India and South Africa Covid vaccine patent waiver at the World Trade Organisation (WTO)

Last week, the consensus was achieved on the issue with New Delhi calling for early conclusion of text-based negotiation for the practical implementation of the proposal. 
&nbsp; 
PM's engagement had resonance. German Chancellor Angela Merkel backed PM Modi's mantra on health. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, and Australian PM Scott Morrison extended support for Covid vaccine patent waiver, and French President Macron called on India to lend its expertise as an important hub of vaccines globally. As part of growing engagement with the grouping, this time India was engaged at the ministerial and working levels as well. 
&nbsp;

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday spoke during two sessions at the G7 summit highlighting India's 'civilizational commitment' to democracy and called for collective action on the issue of Climate Change.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday spoke during two sessions at the G7 summit highlighting India's 'civilizational commitment' to democracy and called for collective action on the issue of Climate Change. At the session titled "Open Societies and Open Economies", PM was the lead speaker, and a joint statement on 'open societies' by leaders of India, South Africa, South Korea, and Australia, and G7 was released. "As the world’s largest democracy, India is a natural ally for the G7 and guest countries to defend these shared values from a host of threats stemming from authoritarianism, terrorism and violent extremism, disinformation and infodemics and economic coercion", MEA's Additional Secretary (ER) P Harish said at a virtual presser. On climate change, PM Modi pointed out India's achievements and that it is the only G20 country on track to meet its Paris commitments. He called on G7 grouping to meet the "unfulfilled promise" of $100 billion annually in climate finance as "this challenge cannot be addressed in silos". This is the 2nd time PM Modi has participated at the G7. He had last participated in 2019 when the summit was held under the chairmanship of France. India was invited last year by US President Donald Trump for the G7 but the meet could not happen due to the Covid pandemic. On Sunday, PM Modi mentioned India's leadership role on Climate Change such as via International Solar Alliance and CDRI or Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure. India-led initiatives have seen an increase in global membership. PM Modi also pointed out the "revolutionary impact of digital technologies" on "social inclusion and empowerment in India" via Aadhaar, DBT (Direct Benefit Transfer), and JAM (Jan Dhan- Aadhaar- Mobile) trinity. PM Modi on Saturday had addressed the session on health and had given out the mantra of 'One Earth, One Health'. He sought G7's support for the India and South Africa Covid vaccine patent waiver at the World Trade Organisation (WTO) Last week, the consensus was achieved on the issue with New Delhi calling for early conclusion of text-based negotiation for the practical implementation of the proposal. PM's engagement had resonance. German Chancellor Angela Merkel backed PM Modi's mantra on health. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, and Australian PM Scott Morrison extended support for Covid vaccine patent waiver, and French President Macron called on India to lend its expertise as an important hub of vaccines globally. As part of growing engagement with the grouping, this time India was engaged at the ministerial and working levels as well.

At G7, PM Modi highlights India's civilisational commitment to democracy

G7 leaders on Sunday vowed to start delivering one billion doses of Covid vaccines and to step up action on climate change, in a summit call to arms by a revived democratic alliance that also confronted China and Russia.

In a final communique issued at their first physical summit in nearly two years, the leaders of the elite club largely hewed to US President Joe Biden's push to regain the West's cohesion after the tumultuous era of his predecessor Donald Trump.

"We will harness the power of democracy, freedom, equality, the rule of law and respect for human rights to answer the biggest questions and overcome the greatest challenges," the leaders said.

But the pledge on vaccines for poorer nations fell drastically short of the 11 billion doses that campaigners say are needed to end a pandemic that has claimed nearly four million lives and wrecked economies around the globe.

"I'm afraid there will be smiles (at the G7) but they are not solutions," former British prime minister Gordon Brown told Sky News, calling the summit "an unforgivable moral failure".&nbsp;

"Millions of people will go unvaccinated and thousands of people I'm afraid will die," said Brown, who helped coordinate international responses to the world's last major economic shock in 2008.

Likewise, the G7's pledges to deliver more aid for countries at the sharp end of climate change, and to phase out fossil fuel investments, were decried as too little, too late ahead of a UN summit in November.

"The G7 have failed to set us up for a successful COP26 as trust is sorely lacking between rich and developing countries," said Greenpeace International executive director Jennifer Morgan.

"We need authentic leadership and that means treating the pandemic and the climate crisis for what they are: an interconnected inequality emergency," she said.

'Green Industrial Revolution'

Nevertheless, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, the summit's host, said the G7 wanted to "drive a global Green Industrial Revolution to transform the way we live".

"There is a direct relationship between reducing emissions, restoring nature, creating jobs and ensuring long-term economic growth," he said.

Johnson also touted a G7 pledge to get 40 million more girls into schools over the next five years, as part of the post-pandemic reconstruction.

A White House official agreed the three-day gathering in Cornwall, southwest England, had been an "unusually substantive and productive G7".&nbsp;

Angela Merkel, attending her last G7 as German chancellor, said Biden had brought "new momentum" to efforts to tackle the world's problems.

India and South Africa, who took part in the G7 talks as guests, had pressed for the gathering to waive intellectual property rights on Western vaccines. But Britain and Germany were notable holdouts on that.

Campaigners also complained the G7 had failed to flesh out how it will pay for a newly agreed "Nature Compact" -- to protect 30 percent of the world's land and oceans from despoliation by 2030.

The leaders committed to nearly halve their carbon emissions by 2030, relative to 2010, and to phase out the use of "unabated coal" -- fuel whose emissions have not gone through any filtering -- "as soon as possible".

They vowed to end most government support for the fossil fuel sector overseas, and to phase out petrol and diesel cars.

The G7 had sharp words for Beijing and Moscow, in the buildup to a NATO summit in Brussels on Monday and Biden's first sit-down with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Switzerland on Wednesday.

They demanded China end abuses including forced labour in Xinjiang, where activists say up to one million people from Uyghur and other Muslim minorities are interned in camps, and in Hong Kong.

And they pressed China to let experts from the World Health Organization (WHO) investigate further how Covid-19 first emerged, amid suspicions that the coronavirus may have escaped from a Chinese laboratory.

The allies adopted a US initiative to counter China in infrastructure funding for poorer nations, promising to "collectively catalyse" hundreds of billions of investment.

The "Build Back Better World" (B3W) project is aimed squarely at competing with Beijing's trillion-dollar Belt and Road infrastructure initiative, which has been widely criticised for saddling small countries with unmanageable debt.

And the G7 demanded that Russia "credibly explain" the use of chemical agents on its soil, end its "systematic crackdown" on opposition groups and media, and "hold to account" criminals waging ransomware attacks.

Royal blessing

A lingering row between Britain and the European Union over post-Brexit trading arrangements in Northern Ireland hung over the talks.

But London sought to bring all sides together using the "soft power" diplomacy of Queen Elizabeth II and her heir Prince Charles, at a Friday night reception for leaders and EU chiefs.

Joined Saturday by counterparts from Australia, South Africa and South Korea -- with India also taking part remotely -- they then enjoyed an evening beach barbecue around fire pits, featuring a sea shanty band and toasted marshmallows.&nbsp;

G7 leaders on Sunday vowed to start delivering one billion doses of Covid vaccines and to step up action on climate change, in a summit call to arms by a revived democratic alliance that also confronted China and Russia.

G7 leaders on Sunday vowed to start delivering one billion doses of Covid vaccines and to step up action on climate change, in a summit call to arms by a revived democratic alliance that also confronted China and Russia. In a final communique issued at their first physical summit in nearly two years, the leaders of the elite club largely hewed to US President Joe Biden's push to regain the West's cohesion after the tumultuous era of his predecessor Donald Trump. "We will harness the power of democracy, freedom, equality, the rule of law and respect for human rights to answer the biggest questions and overcome the greatest challenges," the leaders said. But the pledge on vaccines for poorer nations fell drastically short of the 11 billion doses that campaigners say are needed to end a pandemic that has claimed nearly four million lives and wrecked economies around the globe. "I'm afraid there will be smiles (at the G7) but they are not solutions," former British prime minister Gordon Brown told Sky News, calling the summit "an unforgivable moral failure". "Millions of people will go unvaccinated and thousands of people I'm afraid will die," said Brown, who helped coordinate international responses to the world's last major economic shock in 2008. Likewise, the G7's pledges to deliver more aid for countries at the sharp end of climate change, and to phase out fossil fuel investments, were decried as too little, too late ahead of a UN summit in November. "The G7 have failed to set us up for a successful COP26 as trust is sorely lacking between rich and developing countries," said Greenpeace International executive director Jennifer Morgan. "We need authentic leadership and that means treating the pandemic and the climate crisis for what they are: an interconnected inequality emergency," she said. 'Green Industrial Revolution' Nevertheless, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, the summit's host, said the G7 wanted to "drive a global Green Industrial Revolution to transform the way we live". "There is a direct relationship between reducing emissions, restoring nature, creating jobs and ensuring long-term economic growth," he said. Johnson also touted a G7 pledge to get 40 million more girls into schools over the next five years, as part of the post-pandemic reconstruction. A White House official agreed the three-day gathering in Cornwall, southwest England, had been an "unusually substantive and productive G7". Angela Merkel, attending her last G7 as German chancellor, said Biden had brought "new momentum" to efforts to tackle the world's problems. India and South Africa, who took part in the G7 talks as guests, had pressed for the gathering to waive intellectual property rights on Western vaccines. But Britain and Germany were notable holdouts on that. Campaigners also complained the G7 had failed to flesh out how it will pay for a newly agreed "Nature Compact" -- to protect 30 percent of the world's land and oceans from despoliation by 2030. The leaders committed to nearly halve their carbon emissions by 2030, relative to 2010, and to phase out the use of "unabated coal" -- fuel whose emissions have not gone through any filtering -- "as soon as possible". They vowed to end most government support for the fossil fuel sector overseas, and to phase out petrol and diesel cars. The G7 had sharp words for Beijing and Moscow, in the buildup to a NATO summit in Brussels on Monday and Biden's first sit-down with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Switzerland on Wednesday. They demanded China end abuses including forced labour in Xinjiang, where activists say up to one million people from Uyghur and other Muslim minorities are interned in camps, and in Hong Kong. And they pressed China to let experts from the World Health Organization (WHO) investigate further how Covid-19 first emerged, amid suspicions that the coronavirus may have escaped from a Chinese laboratory. The allies adopted a US initiative to counter China in infrastructure funding for poorer nations, promising to "collectively catalyse" hundreds of billions of investment. The "Build Back Better World" (B3W) project is aimed squarely at competing with Beijing's trillion-dollar Belt and Road infrastructure initiative, which has been widely criticised for saddling small countries with unmanageable debt. And the G7 demanded that Russia "credibly explain" the use of chemical agents on its soil, end its "systematic crackdown" on opposition groups and media, and "hold to account" criminals waging ransomware attacks. Royal blessing A lingering row between Britain and the European Union over post-Brexit trading arrangements in Northern Ireland hung over the talks. But London sought to bring all sides together using the "soft power" diplomacy of Queen Elizabeth II and her heir Prince Charles, at a Friday night reception for leaders and EU chiefs. Joined Saturday by counterparts from Australia, South Africa and South Korea -- with India also taking part remotely -- they then enjoyed an evening beach barbecue around fire pits, featuring a sea shanty band and toasted marshmallows.

G7 vows action on Covid vaccines, Climate Change

G7 leaders were on Sunday urged to take urgent action to secure the future of the planet, as they finalised new conservation and emissions targets to curb climate change, and wrapped up a three-day summit where revived Western unity has been on show.

Veteran environmentalist and broadcaster David Attenborough told the gathering of the world's richest nations the natural world was "greatly diminished" and inequality was widespread.

"The question science forces us to address specifically in 2021 is whether as a result of these intertwined facts we are on the verge of destabilising the entire planet?" he said.

"If that is so, then the decisions we make this decade -- in particular the decisions made by the most economically advanced nations -- are the most important in human history."

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-cautions-g7-small-groups-dont-rule-the-world-391151">China cautions G7: 'Small' groups don't rule the world</a>

The leaders, holding their first in-person gathering in nearly two years due to the coronavirus pandemic, will agree to protect at least 30 percent of both land and ocean globally by the end of the decade.

The "Nature Compact" struck to try to halt and reverse biodiversity loss is also set to see them commit to nearly halve their carbon emissions by 2030, relative to 2010.

It includes phasing out the use of "unabated coal" -- fuel whose emissions have not gone through any filtering -- "as soon as possible", ending most government support for the fossil fuel sector overseas, and phasing out petrol and diesel cars.

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Hailing the pact, host Boris Johnson said the G7 wanted to "drive a global Green Industrial Revolution to transform the way we live".

"There is a direct relationship between reducing emissions, restoring nature, creating jobs and ensuring long-term economic growth," the British prime minister added.

Climate change was a key G7 priority for Britain at the summit in Carbis Bay, southwest England, as it tries to lay the groundwork for hosting the UN COP26 environment summit in November.

But before the pledges had even been formally adopted, environmental campaigners blasted them as lacking enforcement and the necessary scope.

"Despite the green soundbites, Boris Johnson has simply reheated old promises and peppered his plan with hypocrisy, rather than taking real action to tackle the climate and nature emergency," said Greenpeace UK's executive director John Sauven.

He also noted wealthy nations had a "dismal track record" over the last decade honouring international climate finance commitments.

Ties renewed

The G7 -- Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and United States -- were eager to renew ties after the discord of Donald Trump's four years in power.

Joe Biden has sought to turn the page on his predecessor's international isolationism, seeking to open a new chapter in the Western alliance after Trump alienated and exasperated it at every turn.

Angela Merkel, attending her last G7 as German Chancellor, said Biden had brought "new momentum" to efforts to tackle the world's problems.

A lingering row between Britain and the European Union over post-Brexit trading arrangements in Northern Ireland hung over the talks.

But London sought to bring all sides together using the "soft power" diplomacy of Queen Elizabeth II and her heir Prince Charles, at a Friday night reception for leaders and EU chiefs.

Joined Saturday by counterparts from Australia, South Africa and South Korea -- with India also taking part remotely -- they then enjoyed an evening beach barbecue around fire pits, featuring a sea shanty band and toasted marshmallows.&nbsp;

Overall, the summit was largely consumed with the tough task of forging a more comprehensive response to the pandemic.

Leaders agreed a declaration to help prevent future pandemics and are expected to commit to donate one billion Covid-19 vaccine doses to poor countries.

However, there they also faced pushback, with critics arguing it provides just a fraction of what is needed to inoculate the world against the virus, which has claimed nearly four million lives globally and is still spawning new variants.

Britain's former prime minister Gordon Brown called the summit "a missed opportunity" and an "unforgivable moral failure".

"We needed 11 billion vaccines, we've only got offered a plan for one billion. We needed $50 billion allocated to the vaccination of the world, and (have) only $5 billion," he told Sky News Sunday.

"Millions of people will go unvaccinated and thousands of people, I'm afraid, will die."

&nbsp;Foreign policy aims

The allies also unveiled US-led plans to counter China in infrastructure funding for poorer nations, promising to "collectively catalyse" hundreds of billions of investment.

The "Build Back Better World" (B3W) project is aimed squarely at competing with Beijing's trillion-dollar Belt and Road infrastructure initiative, which has been widely criticised for saddling small countries with unmanageable debt.

The leaders will publish further details on the B3W in the traditional end-of-summit communique, alongside issuing the Carbis Bay Declaration on health policy.

On other shared foreign policy challenges, on promoting "open societies", Washington is pushing for a stronger stance on China's alleged forced labour practices against its Muslim Uyghur minority.

Current tense relations with Moscow, in particular over its cyber activity, are also expected to feature, before most present reconvene in Brussels Monday for a NATO meeting, and Biden heads to Geneva for talks with Russia's Vladimir Putin.

G7 leaders were on Sunday urged to take urgent action to secure the future of the planet, as they finalised new conservation and emissions targets to curb climate change, and wrapped up a three-day summit where revived Western unity has been on show.

G7 leaders were on Sunday urged to take urgent action to secure the future of the planet, as they finalised new conservation and emissions targets to curb climate change, and wrapped up a three-day summit where revived Western unity has been on show. Veteran environmentalist and broadcaster David Attenborough told the gathering of the world's richest nations the natural world was "greatly diminished" and inequality was widespread. "The question science forces us to address specifically in 2021 is whether as a result of these intertwined facts we are on the verge of destabilising the entire planet?" he said. "If that is so, then the decisions we make this decade -- in particular the decisions made by the most economically advanced nations -- are the most important in human history." Also Read: China cautions G7: 'Small' groups don't rule the world The leaders, holding their first in-person gathering in nearly two years due to the coronavirus pandemic, will agree to protect at least 30 percent of both land and ocean globally by the end of the decade. The "Nature Compact" struck to try to halt and reverse biodiversity loss is also set to see them commit to nearly halve their carbon emissions by 2030, relative to 2010. It includes phasing out the use of "unabated coal" -- fuel whose emissions have not gone through any filtering -- "as soon as possible", ending most government support for the fossil fuel sector overseas, and phasing out petrol and diesel cars. × Hailing the pact, host Boris Johnson said the G7 wanted to "drive a global Green Industrial Revolution to transform the way we live". "There is a direct relationship between reducing emissions, restoring nature, creating jobs and ensuring long-term economic growth," the British prime minister added. Climate change was a key G7 priority for Britain at the summit in Carbis Bay, southwest England, as it tries to lay the groundwork for hosting the UN COP26 environment summit in November. But before the pledges had even been formally adopted, environmental campaigners blasted them as lacking enforcement and the necessary scope. "Despite the green soundbites, Boris Johnson has simply reheated old promises and peppered his plan with hypocrisy, rather than taking real action to tackle the climate and nature emergency," said Greenpeace UK's executive director John Sauven. He also noted wealthy nations had a "dismal track record" over the last decade honouring international climate finance commitments. Ties renewed The G7 -- Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and United States -- were eager to renew ties after the discord of Donald Trump's four years in power. Joe Biden has sought to turn the page on his predecessor's international isolationism, seeking to open a new chapter in the Western alliance after Trump alienated and exasperated it at every turn. Angela Merkel, attending her last G7 as German Chancellor, said Biden had brought "new momentum" to efforts to tackle the world's problems. A lingering row between Britain and the European Union over post-Brexit trading arrangements in Northern Ireland hung over the talks. But London sought to bring all sides together using the "soft power" diplomacy of Queen Elizabeth II and her heir Prince Charles, at a Friday night reception for leaders and EU chiefs. Joined Saturday by counterparts from Australia, South Africa and South Korea -- with India also taking part remotely -- they then enjoyed an evening beach barbecue around fire pits, featuring a sea shanty band and toasted marshmallows. Overall, the summit was largely consumed with the tough task of forging a more comprehensive response to the pandemic. Leaders agreed a declaration to help prevent future pandemics and are expected to commit to donate one billion Covid-19 vaccine doses to poor countries. However, there they also faced pushback, with critics arguing it provides just a fraction of what is needed to inoculate the world against the virus, which has claimed nearly four million lives globally and is still spawning new variants. Britain's former prime minister Gordon Brown called the summit "a missed opportunity" and an "unforgivable moral failure". "We needed 11 billion vaccines, we've only got offered a plan for one billion. We needed $50 billion allocated to the vaccination of the world, and (have) only $5 billion," he told Sky News Sunday. "Millions of people will go unvaccinated and thousands of people, I'm afraid, will die." Foreign policy aims The allies also unveiled US-led plans to counter China in infrastructure funding for poorer nations, promising to "collectively catalyse" hundreds of billions of investment. The "Build Back Better World" (B3W) project is aimed squarely at competing with Beijing's trillion-dollar Belt and Road infrastructure initiative, which has been widely criticised for saddling small countries with unmanageable debt. The leaders will publish further details on the B3W in the traditional end-of-summit communique, alongside issuing the Carbis Bay Declaration on health policy. On other shared foreign policy challenges, on promoting "open societies", Washington is pushing for a stronger stance on China's alleged forced labour practices against its Muslim Uyghur minority. Current tense relations with Moscow, in particular over its cyber activity, are also expected to feature, before most present reconvene in Brussels Monday for a NATO meeting, and Biden heads to Geneva for talks with Russia's Vladimir Putin.

G7 to agree climate, conservation targets as summit ends

Britain's Queen Elizabeth on Saturday, June 13, insisted on cutting a cake using a ceremonial sword at an event on the sidelines of the G7 summit.&nbsp;

The Queen had been given the sword for the task of cutting a large cake. This was done to mark the Big Lunch at the Eden Project. Her efforts led to laughter from the Duchesses of Cornwall and Cambridge, and the crowds.

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My favourite thing about the G7 summit is these pictures of the Queen cutting a cake with a sword <a href="https://t.co/RL17apCb2u">pic.twitter.com/RL17apCb2u</a>
— Lillie. (@lillicent_x) <a href="https://twitter.com/lillicent_x/status/1403455645593055235?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 11, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Meanwhile, the queen met US President Joe Biden under the canopy of the world's largest indoor rainforest on Friday as she hosted a reception for leaders of the Group of Seven richest nations, who are holding a three-day summit.&nbsp;

The 95-year-old monarch was joined by the other senior members of the British royal family, with son and heir Prince Charles and his wife Camilla and grandson Prince William and his wife Kate also present.

It was their first major public event together since the funeral in April of Prince Philip, the queen's husband of more than seven decades.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/britains-queen-elizabeth-hosts-biden-at-g7-reception-390948">Also Read |&nbsp;Britain's Queen Elizabeth hosts Biden at G7 reception</a>

At the reception, held at the Eden Project, whose distinctive bubble-like Biomes house thousands of plant varieties, the queen met Biden as US President for the first time. He is the 13th American leader she has met during her record-breaking 69-year reign.

Following a photocall with the queen, Prince Charles addressed the G7 leaders about his Sustainable Markets Initiative, which aims to involve business and private sector investment in government efforts to combat climate change.

"The fight against this terrible pandemic provides, if ever one was needed, a crystal-clear example of the scale, and sheer speed, at which the global community can tackle crisis when we combine political will with business ingenuity and public mobilization," the prince told them.

Britain's Queen Elizabeth on Saturday, June 13, insisted on cutting a cake using a ceremonial sword at an event on the sidelines of the G7 summit. The Queen had been given the sword for the task of cutting a large cake.

Britain's Queen Elizabeth on Saturday, June 13, insisted on cutting a cake using a ceremonial sword at an event on the sidelines of the G7 summit. The Queen had been given the sword for the task of cutting a large cake. This was done to mark the Big Lunch at the Eden Project. Her efforts led to laughter from the Duchesses of Cornwall and Cambridge, and the crowds. My favourite thing about the G7 summit is these pictures of the Queen cutting a cake with a sword pic.twitter.com/RL17apCb2u — Lillie. (@lillicent_x) June 11, 2021 × Meanwhile, the queen met US President Joe Biden under the canopy of the world's largest indoor rainforest on Friday as she hosted a reception for leaders of the Group of Seven richest nations, who are holding a three-day summit. The 95-year-old monarch was joined by the other senior members of the British royal family, with son and heir Prince Charles and his wife Camilla and grandson Prince William and his wife Kate also present. It was their first major public event together since the funeral in April of Prince Philip, the queen's husband of more than seven decades. Also Read | Britain's Queen Elizabeth hosts Biden at G7 reception At the reception, held at the Eden Project, whose distinctive bubble-like Biomes house thousands of plant varieties, the queen met Biden as US President for the first time. He is the 13th American leader she has met during her record-breaking 69-year reign. Following a photocall with the queen, Prince Charles addressed the G7 leaders about his Sustainable Markets Initiative, which aims to involve business and private sector investment in government efforts to combat climate change. "The fight against this terrible pandemic provides, if ever one was needed, a crystal-clear example of the scale, and sheer speed, at which the global community can tackle crisis when we combine political will with business ingenuity and public mobilization," the prince told them.

Queen Elizabeth insists on cutting a cake with sword

China on Sunday pointedly cautioned Group of Seven leaders that the days when 'small' groups of countries decided the fate of the world was long gone, hitting back at the world's richest democracies, which have sought a unified position over Beijing. 
 
"The days when global decisions were dictated by a small group of countries are long gone," a spokesman for the Chinese embassy in London said. 
 
"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." 
 
The re-emergence of China as a leading global power is considered to be one of the most significant geopolitical events of recent times, alongside the 1991 fall of the Soviet Union that ended the Cold War. 
 
The G7, whose leaders are meeting in southwestern England, has been searching for a coherent response to the growing assertiveness of President Xi Jinping after China’s spectacular economic and military rise over the past 40 years. 
 
Leaders of the group, the United States, Canada, Britain, Germany, Italy, France and Japan, want to use their gathering in the English seaside resort of Carbis Bay to show the world that the richest democracies can offer an alternative to China’s growing clout. 
 
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau led a Group of Seven discussion of China on Saturday and called on leaders to come up with a unified approach to the challenges posed by the People`s Republic, a source said. 
 
The G7 are planning to offer developing nations an infrastructure scheme that could rival Xi's multi-trillion-dollar Belt and Road initiative. 
 
Beijing has repeatedly hit back against what it perceives as attempts by Western powers to contain China, and says many major powers are still gripped by an outdated imperial mindset after years of humiliating China.

China on Sunday pointedly cautioned Group of Seven leaders that the days when 'small' groups of countries decided the fate of the world was long gone, hitting back at the world's richest democracies, which have sought a unified position over Beijing.

China on Sunday pointedly cautioned Group of Seven leaders that the days when 'small' groups of countries decided the fate of the world was long gone, hitting back at the world's richest democracies, which have sought a unified position over Beijing. "The days when global decisions were dictated by a small group of countries are long gone," a spokesman for the Chinese embassy in London said. "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." The re-emergence of China as a leading global power is considered to be one of the most significant geopolitical events of recent times, alongside the 1991 fall of the Soviet Union that ended the Cold War. The G7, whose leaders are meeting in southwestern England, has been searching for a coherent response to the growing assertiveness of President Xi Jinping after China’s spectacular economic and military rise over the past 40 years. Leaders of the group, the United States, Canada, Britain, Germany, Italy, France and Japan, want to use their gathering in the English seaside resort of Carbis Bay to show the world that the richest democracies can offer an alternative to China’s growing clout. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau led a Group of Seven discussion of China on Saturday and called on leaders to come up with a unified approach to the challenges posed by the People`s Republic, a source said. The G7 are planning to offer developing nations an infrastructure scheme that could rival Xi's multi-trillion-dollar Belt and Road initiative. Beijing has repeatedly hit back against what it perceives as attempts by Western powers to contain China, and says many major powers are still gripped by an outdated imperial mindset after years of humiliating China.

China cautions G7: 'Small' groups don't rule the world

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