G7 calls for Chinese export control removal, North Korea sanctions monitoring

G7 foreign ministers have called on China to remove export controls on critical minerals while expressing ‘serious concern’ about North Korean arms transfers to Russia in violation of UN sanctions, according to a joint statement from their meeting in Italy on 26 November.

‘We further call on China to refrain from adopting export control measures, particularly on critical minerals, that could lead to significant supply chain disruptions,’ the ministers stated.

The G7 condemned North Korea’s export of ballistic missiles and munitions to Russia in ‘direct violation of relevant UNSC Resolutions,’ announcing work on new monitoring mechanisms following Russia’s veto of the UN sanctions panel earlier this year.

‘We will take appropriate measures, consistent with our legal systems, against actors in China and in other third countries that materially support Russia’s war machine, including financial institutions and other entities that facilitate Russia’s acquisition of equipment and items for its defense industrial base,’ the ministers stated.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the meeting, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken also emphasized ongoing G7 sanctions coordination while warning about potential Russian transfers of missile and nuclear technology to North Korea.

‘We’re deeply concerned about this two-way street – not only what North Korea is doing for Russia in its aggression against Ukraine, but what Russia is and may do for North Korea in terms of its missile capacity, its nuclear capacity,’ Blinken told reporters in Fiuggi.

He urged China to use its influence with both countries to ‘cease these activities,’ warning that otherwise, the US, South Korea and Japan would take ‘further steps to strengthen our own deterrence and defense capacities’ – steps that ‘while not directed at China, China will not like.’

Blinken highlighted ongoing G7 sanctions coordination targeting Russia and Chinese entities supporting its defense industry. He called on China, as a permanent UN Security Council member, to help end the Russia-North Korea military relationship.

https://www.state.gov/g7-foreign-ministers-meeting-statement

https://www.state.gov/secretary-antony-j-blinken-at-a-press-availability-54