Nikkei learns of US call for G7 to join forces against "bullying" China US

The United States is pushing the G7 countries (in addition to the United States, the G7 includes Great Britain, Germany, Italy, CANADA, France and Japan) to join forces against China in the event of economic pressure from Beijing, the Nikkei portal reports.

In particular, the US government and Congress are discussing bills to increase duties on Chinese goods in order to prevent "economic bullying."

The United States sees joint action as more effective than unilateral action, given that many countries are heavily dependent on China economically. And Beijing is likely to refrain from economic coercion if the countries unite, the newspaper notes. Washington asked to include this issue on the agenda of the G7 meetings this year. According to the American side, if several countries can cover each other's losses, this will help reduce the losses that they may suffer due to China's actions.

Beijing is increasingly using its economic power to get its way in foreign policy, the portal writes. So, the country imposed a duty on the import of coal, wine and barley from Australia after Canberra demanded an independent investigation into the origin of covid-19 . The Chinese authorities have also imposed restrictions on imports from Lithuania after the Taiwan office opened in Vilnius. In 2010, the country limited the supply of rare earth metals to Japan due to a dispute over ownership of the Senkaku Islands.

A bipartisan group of lawmakers, including Democrat Rep. Ami Bera, introduced a bill in late February that proposes a "collective economic defense" pact. Under the initiative, the President of the United States will be given new powers to support allies and partners facing politically motivated economic pressure from China or other countries. In particular, the HEAD of state will be able to apply to Congress for assistance to a country subjected to economic coercion, including asking for a reduction in duties on goods from there, as well as an increase in duties for a state exerting pressure.