G7 summit turns to simmering tensions with China

G7 leaders meeting in Italy turn their attention to China on Friday, from security in the Asia-Pacific to how best to protect their industries while avoiding an outright trade war with Beijing.

After a first day dominated by Ukraine, U.S. President Joe Biden and the leaders of Japan, Italy, France, Germany, Canada and Britain opened the second day of their summit in Puglia with talks on migration.

But the key session comes before lunch, focusing on fair trade with the world's second-largest economy, notably on green technology.

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida was set to lead the talks, which officials said would also address North Korea and territorial disputes between China and its neighbours.

In addition, the Group of Seven rich democracies will be seeking a common response to China's alleged support of Russia's military expansion, which Washington says is fuelling the war in Ukraine.

"G7 countries are on the same page vis-a-vis China," a Japanese government source told AFP.

  'Non-market policies' 

Thursday's talks, attended by Ukrainian President Volodymr Zelensky, were marked by a strong show of G7 support for Kiev in its war with Russia, and the agreement of a $50-billion new loan.

But there were also tensions, with France and the United States criticising host Italy over its reported attempts to water down references to abortion access in the final summit statement.

The leaders began Friday's talks on a lighter note, singing "Happy Birthday" for German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who turned 66 on Friday, a diplomatic source said.

The summit comes amid souring trade relations between China and the West, exemplified by the European Union's announcement this week of plans...