Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stole the spotlight as he made a high-profile arrival at the G7 summit in Japan.

The gathering of world leaders was quick to issue a statement, condemning Russia and cautioning against “economic coercion,” a veiled reference to China’s alleged practices.

The inclusion of emerging economies and the presence of Zelensky added weight and urgency to discussions, particularly regarding the Ukraine war.

Zelensky’s visit came on the heels of Washington’s announcement of training Ukrainian pilots on American-made fighter jets, which drew condemnation from Russia but was hailed by Zelensky as a significant development.

The uncertainty surrounding Zelensky’s visit, with conflicting signals from Ukrainian officials, highlighted the abruptness of the decision. Nevertheless, Zelensky’s presence injected energy into the diplomatic proceedings, overshadowing other matters.

While G7 leaders’ sanctions against Russia have not halted its invasion, standing shoulder to shoulder with Zelensky conveyed a resolute message to Moscow.

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Additionally, the leaders aimed to address China’s influence by emphasizing their commitment to the Indo-Pacific region and inviting countries like Indonesia, India, and the Cook Islands.

They stressed support for Southeast Asian and Pacific nations, which have been courted by China, and advocated for a “free and open Indo-Pacific,” alluding to China’s territorial claims in the South China Sea.

The joint statement also condemned “economic coercion” and urged China to abide by international rules. Simultaneously, the leaders expressed a desire for constructive relations with China, asserting that their policies were not intended to hinder its progress.

China expressed its dissatisfaction with the G7’s statement, lodging a complaint with the summit organizer, Japan.

The summit’s conclusion on Sunday will feature speeches by Zelensky, US President Joe Biden, and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.