From its inception in 1975, the G7 club of wealthy nations has excluded China, and this decision is now being questioned. China's immense economic sway and global influence make its exclusion from the informal club's summits seem odd. By economic success alone, China would be a shoo-in for membership, dwarfing the economies of G7 nations.
However, an unwritten G7 rule has always been that it's only for democracies. China's authoritarian system of government and its positions on Russia, Iran, and other major issues don't align with those of G7 democracies. Analysts say that admitting China into the club could wreck its cohesion and test their long-standing alliances.
China's clout impacts all G7 countries, with its growing trade surplus, control of rare minerals, technological advances, and military strength giving rivals cold sweats. The G7 will discuss how to rebalance trade with China, amid fears that soaring Chinese exports could wreck G7 industries.
Beijing is wary of the G7, seeing it as structurally aligned with U.S.-led Western power, but Chinese leaders cannot ignore it. China recognizes the G7's significant concentration of economic, technological, military, and financial power.
Analysts say that admitting China into the club could make it difficult for the G7 to function, with individual members tempted to break ranks to secure special favors from China. The G7's last expansion, accepting Russia as a member in 1998, didn't end well, and this experience has convinced leaders to be cautious about admitting less than fully democratic powers.
