The second day of the G7 summit in Hiroshima opened with discussions focused on economic security and the global trade system. Heads of state from the group and invited partners examined how dependence on a limited set of suppliers shapes industries around the world, with a particular emphasis on China. The conversation aimed to outline practical steps for nations seeking to diversify supply chains and reduce vulnerability to single-source dependencies.
Leaders anticipated a candid look at how major economies can respond when crucial components for key sectors are concentrated in a few suppliers. The goal was to map out strategies that nations can deploy to safeguard critical industries while maintaining open, fair trade. The talks also explored how to strengthen resilience, support domestic production, and coordinate to mitigate risks in the supply chain landscape.
The day’s agenda was expected to be affected by the participation of Ukraine’s president, whose attendance in Hiroshima had been approved after days of uncertain signals. His presence was poised to shift the priorities for the sessions, bringing renewed focus to security and defense as well as the economic discussions on supply chains and the contingencies of conflict. Officials signaled that the talks would balance economic matters with the broader geopolitical context that shapes European security and global partnerships.
The morning sessions were scheduled to tackle four core topics: economic security, strategic material access, and the restructuring of supply chains to reduce exposure to dominant suppliers. Participants planned to assess how countries can secure essential inputs and safeguard critical industries against market disruptions while preserving open trade and innovation.
Additional countries invited to participate in the later meetings included Japan, Australia, Brazil, the Comoros on behalf of the African Union, South Korea, India, Indonesia, the Cook Islands representing the Pacific Islands Forum, and Vietnam. These discussions aimed to broaden collaboration on food security, energy resilience, health cooperation, and development partnerships with emerging economies. The shared objective was to strengthen ties among a diverse group of nations and coordinate responses to global challenges, particularly in times of supply shocks or geopolitical tension.
The Hiroshima G7 summit saw a record turnout of participants who were keen to reinforce alliances with the so‑called Global South and to address the expanding influence of China and the strategic weight of Russia. The gathering underscored a collective intent to broaden cooperation beyond traditional partners and to address shared concerns through practical, action‑oriented dialogue.
The expected presence of Ukraine’s president added a dynamic element to the schedule, prompting shifts in the day’s format. EU officials noted that the timing of Zelenski’s talks with G7 leaders on military assistance for Ukraine and potential peace negotiations remained to be clarified. They stressed that his direct engagement with leaders of invited countries, particularly with India’s prime minister, highlighted the importance of bilateral discussions in shaping broader geopolitical outcomes. Plans for Zelenski to meet with the U.S. president and other key leaders were noted, reflecting a concerted push to align on defense support and diplomatic pathways forward.
In light of the quad’s active role, the day’s program also reflected a coordinated effort to capitalize on the presence of the U.S., India, Australia, and Japan. The Quad format was leveraged to advance shared security interests and economic cooperation as part of a broader strategy to respond to regional and global challenges from a position of unity and practical coordination.