Among other things, Baerbock referred to the German delivery of generators, heaters, pumps, residential and sanitary containers, blankets and tents to the Ukraine. The G7 would coordinate their aid, other states would follow. Baerbock stressed that the G7 group would not accept Putin’s “strategy of breaking Ukraine” or “breaking international cohesion”.

In addition to US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, the chief diplomats from Great Britain, France, Italy, Japan and Canada are taking part in the meeting in the North Rhine-Westphalian city. In addition to Russia’s war against Ukraine, dealing with China and the situation in Iran are also on the agenda. This year, Germany holds the presidency of the group of seven large industrialized countries.

On the subject of China, Baerbock said the G7 would “talk together on how not to repeat past mistakes we made in Russia policy.” Japan in particular has repeatedly pointed out how much China has “changed in recent years, that it is not just a partner on international issues, but also a competitor and a much stronger rival with regard to the understanding of an international order”.

Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) is expected to visit Beijing on Friday. He has announced that he will also address the issue of human rights.

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