According to Politico EU, at the G7 summit on June 16, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen reiterated her warnings to U.S. President Donald Trump about alleged Chinese economic threats, calling China “the real challenge.” However, when it came to action, the G7 was not so “bold” — the draft communiqué avoids naming China explicitly.
Von der Leyen pressed Trump on China’s export curbs for rare earths and magnets. In the global economy session, she accused China of imposing trade subsidies, weaponizing its leading position in critical materials, and even brought a magnet prop to drive home the point.
In April, after Trump imposed exceptionally high tariffs on China, Beijing responded with export restrictions on critical minerals and rare-earth magnets. Industry insiders report that China is establishing an export licensing system. As Western firms grapple with a “rare earth shortage,” media narratives have labeled this “rare earth weaponization,” aimed at swaying public opinion against China.
China has countered, asserting its export controls follow international norms, are non discriminatory, and not targeted at any specific country. A spokesperson from the Ministry of Commerce confirmed legally approved rare-earth export licenses have been issued.
At the G7 leaders’ roundtable, von der Leyen told Trump:
“When we focus our attention on tariffs between partners, it diverts our energy from the real challenge — one that threatens us all.”
She went on to say China aims to“dominate global manufacturing and supply chains. This is not market competition — it is distortion with intent.”
She expressed agreement with Trump’s view on China’s trade imbalance and urged the U.S. to work with allies to address China’s dominance in raw materials rather than imposing tariffs on Europe.
She also warned Western nations against a “new China shock”— flooding global markets with cheap state-subsidized products.
Politico EU noted that for months, the EU has been urging Trump not to turn his trade war against Europe. While Trump’s tough stance on trade and security seemed to some a chance for deeper EU–China engagement, Brussels’ approach is contradictory: pursuing European trade with China while pushing the narrative that China is the shared threat to the U.S. and its allies.
Despite von der Leyen’s pointed remarks, the G7 as a whole held back. In the draft summit statement, leaders will pledge to launch a“G7 critical minerals action plan”, but the text mentions only “non-market policies and practices in the critical minerals sector,” without singling out China.
From June 15 to 17, G7 leaders and EU representatives gathered in Canada. According to multiple sources, sharp divisions emerged between President Trump and other G7 leaders, particularly over the worsening Israel–Iran conflict and their respective approaches to Russia.
On June 16, at the summit opening, Trump called the expulsion of Russia from the G8 “a mistake,” adding that its inclusion might have prevented current wars.
He then commented on China in direct response to a reporter asking whether China should join the G7: “Well, it’s not a bad idea. I don’t mind that. If somebody wants to suggest China coming in, I think we suggest, but you want people that you can talk to.”
Trump also declined to endorse a draft G7 communiqué urging Israel and Iran to de escalate, questioning its usefulness. The draft, drawn up by European leaders, affirmed Israel’s right to self-defence and warned against Iran acquiring nuclear weapons; but the wording remains under negotiation.
On the Israel–Iran front, Trump suggested he may soon broker a diplomatic deal leading to a ceasefire, while reiterating his commitment to preventing Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
According to Reuters, Iran has worked through Gulf intermediaries to ask the U.S. to pressure Israel into an immediate ceasefire. Oman is reportedly drafting a ceasefire proposal aimed at resuming U.S.–Iran nuclear talks. Iranian sources say that if Israel halts its attacks, Iran will show flexibility in nuclear negotiations.
Later that day, the White House announced that President Trump would leave the summit one day early due to the Middle East crisis. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt posted on X: “Much was accomplished, but because of what’s going on in the Middle East, President Trump will be leaving tonight after dinner with Heads of State.”
One European diplomat warned that Trump’s early departure may leave the G7 unable to issue any final communiqué.
Editor: LQQ
