Trump’s G7 Shake-Up: Why He Wants Russia Back and China In

Introduction: A Bold Stance at the G7 Summit

At the 2025 G7 Summit in Kananaskis, Alberta, U.S. President Donald Trump made headlines with a provocative statement: removing Russia from the G8 was a “very big mistake,” and adding China to the group could be a good idea. Speaking alongside Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, Trump argued that Russia’s exclusion in 2014, following its annexation of Crimea, contributed to global tensions, particularly the ongoing war in Ukraine. He also floated the idea of expanding the G7 to include China, the world’s second-largest economy, despite its authoritarian government. These remarks have sparked debate about the future of global diplomacy and the role of major powers in shaping international cooperation. Let’s dive into the context, implications, and reactions to Trump’s bold vision for the G7.

The G7’s Evolution: From G8 to G7 and Back?

The Group of Seven (G7) is an intergovernmental organization comprising the United States, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the United Kingdom. It was briefly the G8 when Russia was included from 1997 to 2014, a period when Moscow was seen as a partner in global economic discussions. However, Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014 prompted the other members to suspend its participation, reverting the group to the G7. The decision was a collective response to Russia’s actions, which violated international norms and sparked conflict in Ukraine.

Trump’s comments at the 2025 summit revisit a stance he’s held for years. He has consistently argued that Russia’s exclusion isolated its leader, Vladimir Putin, and complicated diplomacy. “The G7 used to be the G8. Barack Obama and a person named Trudeau didn’t want to have Russia in,” Trump said, mistakenly attributing the decision to former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who didn’t take office until 2015. Stephen Harper was Canada’s prime minister at the time. Trump’s narrative frames Russia’s removal as a misstep that fueled the Ukraine conflict, claiming, “I think you wouldn’t have a war right now if you had Russia in.”

Why Russia? Trump’s Rationale

Trump’s argument hinges on the idea that keeping Russia in the G8 could have fostered dialogue and prevented escalation in Ukraine. He suggested that Putin, feeling “insulted” by the exclusion, became less willing to engage with Western leaders—except, Trump claimed, with himself. “Putin talks to me. He doesn’t talk to anyone else,” he said, highlighting a personal rapport he believes could have de-escalated tensions. Trump also argued that his presidency four years earlier could have averted the war, tying his foreign policy approach to a broader vision of inclusive diplomacy.

This perspective aligns with Trump’s broader skepticism of isolating adversarial nations. He has long advocated for engaging with leaders like Putin, emphasizing pragmatic deal-making over punitive measures. However, his claim that Russia’s G8 membership would have prevented the Ukraine war oversimplifies a complex conflict driven by geopolitical, historical, and economic factors. Critics argue that Russia’s actions in Crimea and beyond justified its exclusion, as the G7 is rooted in shared democratic values—values Russia’s government does not uphold.

The China Question: A G9 on the Horizon?

Trump’s suggestion to include China in the G7, potentially turning it into a G9, adds another layer of intrigue. China, with its massive economy and global influence, is a logical candidate for inclusion from an economic perspective. Trump acknowledged this, stating, “It’s not a bad idea. I don’t mind that. If somebody wants to suggest China coming in…” Yet, China’s authoritarian system clashes with the G7’s democratic framework, raising questions about compatibility.

Including China could shift the G7’s focus from a Western-centric alliance to a broader platform for global economic powers. Proponents argue this could enhance the group’s relevance in addressing issues like trade, climate change, and technological competition. However, critics, including some G7 leaders, worry that inviting China would dilute the group’s commitment to democratic principles and complicate decision-making, given Beijing’s differing priorities.

Global Reactions: Support, Skepticism, and Pushback

Trump’s remarks drew mixed responses. Some G7 leaders, like Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, emphasized the importance of U.S. leadership within the existing framework, sidestepping Trump’s proposals. Others reportedly pushed back, stressing the need to maintain pressure on Russia over its actions in Ukraine. The Kremlin, through spokesman Dmitry Peskov, dismissed the G7’s relevance, pointing to the G20 as a more representative forum that includes China, India, and Brazil.

On X, sentiments varied. Some users echoed Trump’s view, arguing that excluding Russia was shortsighted and that dialogue with Moscow could have mitigated conflicts. Others criticized the idea, citing Russia’s ongoing aggression in Ukraine and China’s human rights record as reasons to maintain the G7’s current structure. These posts reflect broader public divisions on how to engage with authoritarian regimes in global forums.

The Geopolitical Context: Ukraine, Tariffs, and Beyond

Trump’s comments come at a pivotal moment. He is set to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to discuss ending the war sparked by Russia’s 2022 invasion, a conflict rooted in the same 2014 annexation that led to Russia’s G8 expulsion. Trump’s suggestion to reintegrate Russia could complicate these talks, as it signals a softer stance on Moscow at a time when Ukraine seeks robust Western support.

Additionally, Trump’s push for tariffs on G7 allies, raised during the same summit, underscores his broader “America First” approach. This has created tension with other leaders, who see the G7 as a platform for cooperation, not confrontation. His willingness to reshape the group’s membership while challenging its economic policies highlights a disruptive vision for global governance.

Implications for the G7’s Future

Trump’s proposals raise fundamental questions about the G7’s purpose. Is it a club of democracies, or should it prioritize economic power over shared values? Reintegrating Russia or inviting China would redefine the group’s identity, potentially alienating current members while failing to guarantee cooperation from Moscow or Beijing. The G7’s relevance has been questioned before, with critics arguing it’s out of step with today’s multipolar world. Trump’s ideas could either revitalize the group or fracture its unity.

From a U.S. perspective, Trump’s stance reflects a desire to project strength through direct engagement with rivals. However, it risks alienating allies who view Russia’s actions as a threat to global stability. The suggestion to include China, meanwhile, acknowledges its economic clout but ignores the ideological rift that could hinder consensus.

What’s Next?

As the G7 summit unfolds, Trump’s remarks will likely fuel further debate. His meeting with Zelenskyy could clarify whether his Russia-friendly rhetoric translates into policy shifts. Meanwhile, the idea of a G9 with China remains speculative, as it would require consensus among current members—a tall order given their differing priorities.

For now, Trump’s comments serve as a reminder of his unconventional approach to foreign policy. By challenging the G7’s status quo, he’s forcing the world to grapple with tough questions about diplomacy, power, and the balance between inclusion and accountability.

Conclusion: A Divisive Vision for Global Cooperation

President Trump’s call to bring Russia back into the G7 and consider China’s inclusion has ignited a firestorm of debate. While he argues that these moves could prevent conflicts and enhance global dialogue, critics see them as undermining the G7’s democratic foundation. As the world navigates rising tensions and shifting alliances, Trump’s proposals highlight the challenges of balancing pragmatism with principle in international relations. What do you think about this bold vision? Let’s explore some questions to keep the conversation going.

Thought Questions:

1. Should the G7 prioritize economic power by including countries like China, or should it remain a forum for democracies?

2. Could reintegrating Russia into the G7 help de-escalate global conflicts, or would it reward aggressive behavior?

3. How might Trump’s personal rapport with leaders like Putin influence U.S. foreign policy in his second term?

Sources: PBS News, Fox News, RT World News, MSNBC, Yahoo News, The Economic Times, Washington Times, Times Now, The Independent, South China Morning Post