Tokyo, Dec 07 (V7N) — The Japanese government has expressed deep concern over reports that France is considering inviting Chinese President Xi Jinping to next year’s Group of Seven (G-7) summit, warning that such a move could weaken the bloc’s unified stance toward China.

The concern follows a Bloomberg report last month stating that French President Emmanuel Macron is weighing the possibility of extending an invitation to Xi for the 2025 summit, scheduled to take place in June in Evian, eastern France.

Addressing the matter at a press conference on Friday, Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi stressed the importance of maintaining cohesion within the G-7. He stated that Japan prioritizes the unity of member nations that share “basic values and strategic interests such as liberal democracy and the rule of law.”

A senior official from Japan’s Foreign Ministry said Macron has long shown interest in bringing China into discussions at a future G-7 summit. During a meeting with Xi in Beijing on Thursday, Macron expressed a desire to strengthen cooperation between the G-7 and China to address global economic imbalances.

Neither France nor China has publicly confirmed whether an invitation was issued. However, a Japanese government source said that if France intends to invite China, that intention “may have been conveyed during the meeting.”

Japan, the only Asian member of the G-7, has consistently taken a strong stance against China’s regional maritime activities and what it calls Beijing’s economic coercion. A senior Japanese government official noted that the G-7 platform is vital for delivering a “clear and collective message” to China on such issues.

Another official cautioned that Europe should recognize the challenges posed by China. “We do not yet know how seriously France is considering inviting China,” the official said. “But we must continue to monitor the situation closely.”

The 2025 summit is expected to focus on global security, economic resilience, and strategic partnerships. Japan believes introducing China into the forum without consensus could complicate the group’s ability to maintain a unified stance on these core issues.

END/WD/SMA/