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German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas. (Deutsche Presse-Agentur)

Germany has stated its opposition to US President Donald Trump’s idea of expanding the G7 into a “G11” or “G12” framework that includes Russia and South Korea.

In a July 26 interview with the Rheinische Post, a newspaper based in the North Rhine-Westphalia region, German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas described the G7 and G20 as “rationally organized” frameworks.

“We don’t currently need a G11 or G12,” he said.

On May 30, Trump proposed the idea of expanding the G7 into a “G11” or “G12” framework including four to five additional countries such as Russia and South Korea. His suggestion would involve creating a G11 system by adding South Korea, Russia, India, and Australia to the existing G7 (the US, the UK, Germany, France, Canada, Italy, and Japan), or a G12 system with the additional inclusion of Brazil.

The international community has interpreted Washington’s aim as turning the G7 into an alliance against China by enlisting Russia and other countries while shutting China out. Russia was previously excluded from the G8 as punishment for its 2014 annexation of the Crimean Peninsula. The prospects for the G7’s expansion are now appearing very unlikely, with Germany’s message of clear opposition coming after the UK and Canada both announced theirs soon after Trump’s proposal.

Maas underscored that Russia would “not have the opportunity to return without a solution” indicating significant progress in disputes related to Crimea and eastern Ukraine. While he acknowledged that relations with Russia have “recently been difficult,” Maas also said he was “aware that Russia is necessary to resolve the conflicts in Syria, Libya, and Ukraine.”

The emphasis of Maas’ remarks was on opposition to Russia’s reinstatement. But with his message also voicing opposition to the very expansion of the framework that would give Russia that opportunity, it could be viewed as opposing South Korea’s membership as well.

Japan, the only G7 country from Asia, also takes a dim view of South Korea’s participation as diplomatic conflicts continue between the two sides. Kyodo News reported last month that a senior Japanese official had communicated Tokyo’s opposition to South Korea’s participation to the US last month. Chief Cabinet Secretary and Japanese government Spokesperson Yoshishide Suga declined to comment when asked for confirmation.

By Cho Ki-weon, staff reporter

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