This week, President Biden is set to showcase his foreign policy stance compared to Donald Trump‘s at the G7 summit in Italy. The leaders gathering aim to support Ukraine and counter China‘s influence amidst internal political challenges.
Biden will use the summit to advocate for continued military aid to Ukraine, deterring Russian President Vladimir Putin’s aggression. Facing a potential reelection battle against Trump, who vows to reverse his predecessor’s foreign policies, Biden’s stance is pivotal.
Other leaders like British Prime Minister Rishi Sunderk, French President Emmanuel Macron, Olaf Scholz in the EU, and Fumio Kishida from Japan also face political uncertainties which add intrigue to the event.
This G7 summit, as noted by Josh Lipsky from the Atlantic Council, is unique in its dynamics, prominently discussing Ukraine’s situation in a luxurious Adriatic Sea setting.
The recent US security package for Ukraine and the authorization for limited U.S. arms use against Russia bolster Biden’s argument for maintaining support to Kyiv.
Ukraine Aid
Ukraine, now receiving approved military aid, remains on alert for potential Russian incursions in eastern Ukraine. Biden acknowledged delays in funding affecting Ukraine’s defense.
While some conservative Trump allies resisted aid for Ukraine, Trump, envisioning a 2024 presidential run, expressed willingness to let Russia deal with NATO concerns and predicted a swift resolution to the Ukraine conflict without specifics.
At the G7, Trump and Biden’s contrasting foreign policy stances, especially on trade with China, will underpin discussions. Trump’s tariff-heavy trade approach contrasts with Biden’s more nuanced strategy.
The tension with China, highlighted in past G7 statements, will likely resurface, though China’s absence this year underscores G7’s effort to mitigate its influence.
G7’s agenda includes addressing the Israel-Hamas conflict, with the U.S. pushing for a truce to end hostilities in Gaza amid responses and evaluations of proposals from Hamas.