Fact Check: "Trump expressed that inviting China to the G8 is 'not a bad idea'"
What We Know
During a recent press conference at the G7 summit, former President Donald Trump was asked about the possibility of inviting China to join the G7. In response, Trump stated, "That's not a bad idea" (Zurcher, 2023). This remark aligns with his previous comments regarding the expulsion of Russia from the G8 in 2014, which he referred to as a "big mistake" (South China Morning Post, 2023). Trump's willingness to consider China's inclusion in the G7 indicates a shift in his stance on international diplomacy and cooperation.
Analysis
The claim that Trump expressed openness to inviting China to the G7 is substantiated by multiple credible sources. The BBC reported Trump's comments directly, confirming that he responded positively when asked about the idea. Additionally, the South China Morning Post and Liga.net corroborated this by quoting Trump’s exact words, which further solidifies the reliability of the information.
The context of Trump's statement is important. His remarks came during a time when discussions about global leadership and the role of major economies were at the forefront of the G7 summit. By suggesting that inviting China is "not a bad idea," Trump appears to be advocating for a more inclusive approach to international relations, contrasting with the more traditional, exclusionary stance of the G7 regarding non-member nations.
The sources used in this analysis are reputable news organizations with a history of accurate reporting. The BBC is known for its impartial journalism, while the South China Morning Post provides comprehensive coverage of international affairs, particularly in relation to China. Liga.net, while less known, is a news outlet that covers political developments and has reported on Trump's statements accurately.
Conclusion
Verdict: True. The evidence supports the claim that Donald Trump expressed that inviting China to the G7 is "not a bad idea." His comments were captured by multiple reliable sources during a press conference, indicating a genuine openness to the idea.
Sources
- Trump says expelling Russia from G7 was a 'mistake' as he ... BBC
- Trump says he would welcome China and Russia in G7 ... South China Morning Post
- Trump not against inviting China to G7 - LIGA.net Liga.net
