KANANASKIS, Alberta (AP) — The Group of Seven (G7) Summit is set to begin today amidst the scenic backdrop of Canada’s Rocky Mountains with a significant focus on trade and international conflicts. One key objective for this year's summit is to avoid any incidents that could provoke U.S. President Donald Trump, whose previous appearance at the G7 in Canada was marked by tension and controversy.
In 2018, President Trump left the summit in Quebec with harsh words for his Canadian hosts, rejecting the G7 joint statement and expressing his discontent over tariffs on social media. This year, the stakes are even higher as President Trump has already imposed severe tariffs on several nations, risking a global economic slowdown. Meanwhile, the world grapples with ongoing wars in Ukraine and Gaza, a new conflict between Israel and Iran over nuclear issues, and challenges related to climate change, immigration, and drug trafficking.
There is growing concern about the survival of the G7 itself, particularly as the Trump administration has wavered on its participation in the upcoming Group of 20 summit in South Africa. Unlike previous years, there is no plan for a joint statement from the G7, indicating a departure from building a shared consensus among the member democracies.
Several countries, including Germany, the U.K., Japan, and Italy, believe maintaining a cordial relationship with President Trump could help avoid any diplomatic outbursts. U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed his intent to foster a positive relationship with President Trump, emphasizing its importance.
The summit will include at least three bilateral meetings for President Trump, beginning with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. Additionally, President Trump is scheduled to meet with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Among the pressing issues, President Trump’s tariffs have particularly affected Japan, with a 25% tariff on steel, aluminum, and autos. The United Kingdom has negotiated a trade framework to mitigate some tariffs, but a 10% baseline remains. Canada and Mexico are facing separate tariffs up to 25%, ostensibly to combat fentanyl smuggling.
Canadian Prime Minister Carney has stated that Canada can no longer rely on the U.S. as a consistent ally, which could complicate President Trump's goal of maintaining tariffs while persuading other countries to side with the U.S. rather than China. As the summit unfolds, coordination against China’s economic practices is expected to be a focal point, though it remains uncertain how President Trump’s tariff strategies will influence this effort.
The G7 was originally established in 1973 as a meeting of finance ministers to address the oil crisis and has since evolved into an annual summit for world leaders to address global issues. However, the unity of the group faces challenges as President Trump’s policies and unpredictable approach continue to test international cooperation.
