The G-7 nations released a communique Tuesday after their meeting in Japan. They vow to support Ukraine for “as long as it takes” against Russia. They also call for greater engagement with China to stabilize relations with the world’s second-biggest economy.

The G-7 condemned Russia’s war against Ukraine “in the strongest possible terms.” They voiced support for President Zelensky’s peace plan and criticized Russia for its irresponsible nuclear rhetoric. None of this sounds like they covered new ground. The Western world has condemned Putin’s war from the beginning. It is interesting that at a time when French President Macron is exerting himself in his independence from “following” the United States, as he recently proclaimed during his trip to China, the G-7 addresses increasing engagement with China.

During Macron’s three-day trip to China, he seemed to bask in the charm offensive put on by Xi. At a time when world dynamics are shifting and China and Russia are buddying-up, it is more than a little disturbing that France, America’s oldest ally, appears to embrace the Communist Chinese. And, while doing so, pooh-poohs any appearance of falling in line with supporting the United States in foreign affairs. What the hell, Macron?

Is France going to assist China or Taiwan when that inevitable battle happens? The G-7 statement calls for a peaceful resolution in Taiwan-related issues.

“We recommit today to supporting Ukraine for as long as it takes and to providing sustained security, economic, and institutional support to help Ukraine defend itself, secure its free and democratic future, and deter future Russian aggression,” the statement said.

The G-7 ministers also said they recognized the importance of “engaging candidly” with China and the need to work together on common interests while calling for a “peaceful resolution” of Taiwan-related issues. It also expressed concern about China’s growing nuclear arsenal and called for talks with the US on arms control.

The ministers added that there was “no change in the basic positions of the G-7 members on Taiwan, including stated one-China policies” — pushing back on Beijing’s claims that the US in particular is seeking to change the status quo.

While Macron is bowing to Xi, German officials say they will agree to work with China when possible but they are not naive when it comes to the relationship. Macron said the EU shouldn’t be dragged into a dispute with China by the United States but German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said at the G-7 meeting that Germany won’t compromise its values as they engage with China. “I made clear in China: We want to cooperate, we want to be partners, but we are not naive.”

French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna attended the meeting in Japan. The diplomats agreed to try to cooperate with Beijing when possible as they work to lessen their economic reliance on China. They want to send a clear message that any weapons deliveries to Russia by China are unacceptable.

Thanks to Joe Biden’s bumbling handling of foreign policy and Chinese aggression in the form of the Chinese spy balloons, Secretary of State Blinken canceled a trip to China and the relationship between Xi and Biden has worsened. Biden claimed to be a foreign policy expert when he ran for president, specifically that he had a good relationship with problematic world leaders like Xi, and yet Biden has failed to live up to that claim. Everything he touches turns bad. There is real concern now that China will push forward in an aggressive stance to tighten its control on Taiwan. Putin wasn’t afraid of what Biden would do if he invaded Ukraine and Xi isn’t looking like he’s worried about Biden, either.

The G-7 supports working with Xi on his peace plan for Ukraine and Russia but to what extent is the question? Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva is cozying up to Xi. Last week on his trip to China, he told reporters that it is “important that the US stops encouraging war and starts talking about peace.” As another jab at the United States, Lula invited Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov to Brazil. Brazil’s Foreign Minister criticized sanctions imposed by the U.S. and its allies on Russia. The G-7 does not support any peace agreement that does not call for Russia’s complete withdrawal from Ukraine.

While the US and its allies have dismissed any cease-fire proposal that would allow Russia to keep territorial gains, some countries like France have welcomed China’s effort to find a diplomatic resolution. The G-7 ministers endorsed Zelenskiy’s “Peace Formula,” which includes the complete withdrawal of all Russian troops from Ukrainian territory.

The G-7 has translated its close coordination on arming Ukrainian forces over the last year into a renewed dialogue on the challenges presented by China, a senior State Department official told reporters on Monday evening. The group sees the need to stay engaged with China while standing up against any coercive measures or efforts to change the status quo in Taiwan, the official said.

As with most of these summits, it doesn’t sound like much was accomplished. What does supporting Ukraine “as long as it takes” mean? Another forever war overseas? Eventually sending in American troops, other than the Special Forces we learned recently are already on the ground in Ukraine? A forever commitment to sending American tax dollars and military equipment? What’s the plan? There will be G-7 leaders summit in Hiroshima next month. Will Joe Biden be able to attend? We’ve been told he’s too old to travel overseas very frequently. Has he recovered enough from his family vacation in Ireland last week to go to Japan next month? America needs a younger, coherent president that doesn’t lead from behind. Biden’s weakness as the leader of the free world emboldened Putin and is doing the same with Xi. Now Macron wants to exert himself in leadership. Great job, Joe.