G-7 leaders lay a wreath at the Memorial for the Atomic Bomb Victims at Peace Memorial Park as part of the G-7 Hiroshima Summit on May 19, 2023 in Hiroshima, Japan.
Credit: Frank Robichon/Pool Photo via AP, File
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Twenty-one years ago, at the 2002 Kananaskis G-8 summit in Canada, world leaders agreed to form a global partnership against the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. The initiative was a framework to engage Russia and other former Soviet Union countries in fulfilling their arms control commitments as a basis for reducing nuclear arsenals after the end of the Cold War. It also sought to reduce the risk of proliferation and terrorism through the secure control of weapons of mass destruction. Russia became a full member of the G-8 the following year, attended all G-8 meetings, and was expected to take a leadership role in global governance jointly under the coordination of the G-8 countries.
Twenty years later, more G-7 leaders met in Hiroshima and “reaffirmed their commitment to achieving a world without nuclear weapons by continuing”.G-7 Leaders’ Hiroshima Vision for Nuclear Disarmament“the first G-7 document to focus on nuclear disarmament. Unlike the initiative 21 years ago, Russia is no longer seen as a partner in disarmament and non-proliferation. Instead, the document calls on Russia to use nuclear coercion, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which was accompanied by threats of nuclear use, has raised the perceived threat of nuclear weapons and has once again focused the international community on nuclear weapons in a security environment. and reaffirmed the importance of nuclear deterrence.
Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio, a Hiroshima-elected politician who has made nuclear disarmament his life’s work, was eager to host the G-7 summit in the city, one of only two to be hit by an atomic bomb. Was. It was only natural that nuclear disarmament would be the focus of the meeting. The leaders of the G-7 and the European Union visited the Peace Memorial Park and had the opportunity to speak with A-bomb survivor Keiko Ogura at the museum. It was an opportunity that Kishida himself had much sought,
Messages Leaders Left at the Museum Reflects their personal understanding of the tragedy and their determination as leaders to work for a more peaceful future. kishida is tall recommended That young people and world leaders visit Hiroshima to experience the reality of the use of nuclear weapons as a basis for promoting nuclear disarmament. In this sense, it is fair to say that one of Kishida’s aims has been achieved.
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However, the atmosphere around nuclear disarmament leaves little reason for optimism, and indeed the seriousness of the situation is clearly reflected in the “Hiroshima Vision”. civil society groups and survivors’ organizations, which push strongly for nuclear abolition, have Complained Commitment to nuclear abolition is insufficient. These complaints are evidence of the slowness and patience required to work toward a “world without nuclear weapons” in the face of the reality of intense strategic competition among major powers.
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Nevertheless, the Hiroshima Vision outlines ideas and initiatives to regain momentum for nuclear disarmament, even in the midst of a difficult international climate.
The Vision begins by reaffirming the G-7 leaders’ commitment to the goal of a “world without nuclear weapons” and emphasizes the norm of non-use of nuclear weapons, with the significance of a 77-year record of non-use joined. The position on nuclear weapons and the position that any threat of use of nuclear weapons or any actual use of nuclear weapons by Russia is not acceptable. it confirms declaration of bali leaders The G-20, to which Russia and China are also committed, and Joint statement of P-5 in January 2022 that “a nuclear war cannot be won and should never be fought.” It also supports a global norm against nuclear testing.
It is also important to note that the P-5 referred to adherence to existing disarmament arrangements. The Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) was cited as a cornerstone of the international non-proliferation regime and needed to be upheld as the foundation for the pursuit of nuclear disarmament and the peaceful uses of nuclear energy. What is striking about the document is that it states that the G-7’s approach is not only realistic and pragmatic, but also “responsible”, which suggests that the G-7 is aware of its role. It also calls for Russia to return to full implementation of the New START treaty.
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The Hiroshima Vision goes beyond maintaining the existing foundation for nuclear disarmament by proposing a number of new initiatives. For example, to promote transparency, the document calls for a meaningful dialogue on transparency with respect to limiting nuclear arsenals and nuclear competition with non-nuclear weapon states. This dialogue could include an interactive discussion with non-nuclear weapon states and civil society at NPT-related meetings, as well as an open interpretation of national reports. This is in line with the proposition contained in the proposition Message Issued by for the First Preparatory Committee for the 2026 NPT Review ConferenceInternational Group of Eminent Persons for a World Without Nuclear Weapons,
As for the production of fissile materials, the document calls for a voluntary moratorium on the production of fissile materials for weapons use, as well as calling on the IAEA to report its civilian plutonium stockpiles in accordance with the Plutonium Management Guidelines (INFCIRC 549, The transparency measures in fissile materials management, while not named, call to mind the lack of transparency in China.
There is also a reference to pre-notification of strategic activities by nuclear weapon states to reduce strategic risks. Although it does not specifically state that it will be implemented, in a situation where strategic dialogue among major powers has been disrupted, such de-escalation measures, if agreed upon through dialogue and consultation between nuclear-weapon states If implemented, will help in preventing unintentional escalation and crisis based crisis. On unforeseen events and misunderstandings.
It is expected that the G-7 will share with the international community its vision for better global governance and demonstrate its leadership and willingness to meet its responsibilities. The group should take a firm stand against steps that run counter to international norms and nuclear disarmament, such as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and China and North Korea’s build-up of nuclear weapons without transparency, as well as steps that serve as a basis provide and way forward for the international community to make some progress towards the common goal of a world without nuclear weapons. While this may not be sufficient, it is necessary, and the international community must now use it as a springboard to implement more concrete measures.
