Johnson invites Australia to G7 Summit

In the face of growing Chinese power and influence, Mr Johnson has also invited India and South Korea as guest nations to the high-powered international summit.

Downing Street said the three invitations delivered on the British leader's ambition to work with a group of like-minded democracies to advance shared interests and tackle common challenges.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the invitation was hugely important, especially given the "metaphoric meteor" of the coronavirus pandemic and economic recovery.

"This is the meeting of the largest liberal, market-based democracy economies," he told the Seven Network on Wednesday.

"It is good for us to get together to line up on these issues and see how we can continue to support the recovery of the world economy."

This is the third consecutive year Australia has been invited to the G7 Summit.

Shadow treasurer Jim Chalmers welcomed the invitation, saying Australia's voice should be heard loud and clear.

"We should have the opportunity to advocate for our interests and to make a constructive contribution," he told reporters in Brisbane.

"There are important issues for the world to deal with. To the extent that we're involved in those conversations and those efforts, then that's a really good thing."

Mr Johnson has also announced a trip to India early next year, his first major bilateral visit since taking office, and the first since the UK's departure from the European Union.

His office said the Indian visit underscored Mr Johnson's commitment to step up the UK's engagement with the Indo-Pacific region.

"As a key player in the Indo-Pacific region, India is an increasingly indispensable partner for the United Kingdom as we work to boost jobs and growth, confront shared threats to our security and protect our planet," Mr Johnson said.

Australian Associated Press