U.S. President Donald Trump said on the 16th (local time) that he does not oppose China's participation in the G7.
During the G7 meeting held in Canmore, Alberta, Canada, President Trump responded to a reporter's question by saying, "It's not a bad idea," adding, "I don't mind it." The G7 refers to the group of seven advanced Western countries that lead the liberal international order: the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, Japan, and Canada.
It is unclear whether President Trump meant that he does not oppose China’s formal membership in the G7 or whether he was referring to inviting China as an observer to the G7 meeting. Concerns are raised that the nature of the gathering could change if China joins the G7.
Additionally, President Trump claimed that the G7 was originally the G8 and that excluding Russia was "a very big mistake." Russia was suspended from the G8 following its annexation of Crimea in Ukraine in 2014.
President Trump also mentioned the military conflict between Israel and Iran, stating, "Iran is not winning this war" and urging, "They need to get to the negotiating table immediately before it's too late."