TOKYO (AP) —At a recent meeting in Osaka, Japan, trade and economy officials from the Group of Seven (G-7), comprising the world’s wealthiest democracies, reinforced their commitment to collaborate in ensuring smooth supply chains, particularly for vital resources like energy and food. This pledge comes amidst growing global uncertainties.

In a unified statement, G-7 nations vowed to uphold “a free and fair trading system based on the rule of law” while focusing on bolstering economic resilience and security. Yoko Kamikawa, Japan’s Foreign Minister and co-host of the two day event, highlighted current global crises such as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the Israel Hamas conflict, citing them as recent disruptors to stable energy and food supplies. Emphasizing the importance of democracy, inclusiveness, and human rights, Kamikawa stressed the responsibility these nations hold in the face of increasing global instability.

Concerns are also rising among developed countries about the consistent supply of critical components, including computer chips and essential minerals like lithium, which are increasingly vital for the production of electric vehicles and other green energy solutions.

The G-7, comprising the United States, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and Britain, extended invitations to the European Union, Australia, Chile, India, Indonesia, and Kenya for the meeting. Key economic organizations like the World Trade Organization also participated.

The G-7 nations reiterated their condemnation of Russia’s ongoing military actions in Ukraine, denouncing it as a “brutal, unprovoked, unjustifiable and illegal war of aggression.”

Key topics of discussion at the meeting included how trade policy can contribute to addressing climate change, strengthening food security, promoting digital trade, and pursuing sustainable development. This meeting marks a significant step by the G-7 nations in addressing pressing global economic and environmental challenges.

In recent G-7 meetings, complex and escalating trade tensions with China emerged as a significant backdrop, despite China not being explicitly mentioned. The country’s absence was conspicuous, especially considering its recent decision to impose export restrictions on gallium and germanium, two critical metals used in the manufacture of computer chips and solar cells. China cited “national security” as the reason for these curbs.

These developments follow a pattern observed earlier this year at the G-7 summit in Hiroshima, southwestern Japan, where participants subtly alluded to “economic coercion.” This term, believed to reference China’s strategy of leveraging some nations’ economic dependencies, was reiterated at the Osaka G-7 meeting.

Japan, as the host nation, brought attention to China’s ban on imports of Japanese seafood following the discharge of treated wastewater from the Fukushima nuclear plant, site of the 2011 reactor meltdowns. Yasutoshi Nishimura, Japan’s minister in charge of trade and the economy, reported that G-7 nations expressed their support and understanding for Japan’s stance. He emphasized the safety of Japanese food, including produce from Fukushima, backed by scientific evidence. Nishimura affirmed Japan’s commitment to advocating for the lifting of the food bans, as he addressed the media.

This ongoing tension underscores the broader challenges and geopolitical dynamics influencing global trade, particularly in the context of rising conflict between major world economies.

Yasutoshi Nishimura, Japan’s minister in charge of trade and the economy, highlighted the strategic importance of guest nations at the recent G-7 meeting, particularly Australia and India, as potential key allies in strengthening the supply chain for valuable materials.

Britain and Japan entered into a bilateral agreement focusing on cooperation in mineral-supply chains. Both countries emphasized the critical role of these supply chains in achieving clean energy objectives and enhancing national defense capabilities.

Japan and the European Union (EU) reached an agreement to bolster digital data exchanges, representing a commitment to collaborate on setting standards that facilitate trade in the digital sector, including online data exchanges.

Yoko Kamikawa, Japan’s Foreign Minister, met with U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai to reaffirmed the strength of bilateral ties and their joint commitment to supporting “the free and fair economic order.” They exchanged views on the significance of increasing women’s participation and leadership roles within the G-7 framework. These discussions and agreements underscore the multifaceted efforts by G-7 nations and their partners to address contemporary global economic challenges and foster international collaboration.