World

G7 summit: War of words erupts between US and key allies

June 10, 2018 4:18 pm

A war of words has erupted between the US and its G7 allies, hours after the group had put on an apparent show of unity at the end of a tense summit.

US President Donald Trump and two of his advisers lashed out at Canadian PM Justin Trudeau, accusing him of engaging in “bad faith diplomacy”.

Mr Trump retracted his endorsement of the G7’s joint communique – drawing a strong rebuke from France and Germany.

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That statement had sought to overcome deep disagreements, notably over trade.

What’s happening in this G7 picture?
Trump prefers unscripted Kim summit to G7 ritual
In recent weeks, trading partners of the US have criticised new tariffs on steel and aluminium imports imposed by the Trump administration.

So how did the latest spat unfold?
In a news conference after the summit, the Canadian leader reasserted his opposition to the US tariffs, and vowed to press ahead with retaliatory moves on 1 July.

“Canadians are polite and reasonable but we will also not be pushed around,” he said.