EVIAN-LES-BAINS: G7 leaders are expected to advance discussions on reducing reliance on China for critical minerals on the final day of their summit in France on Wednesday, with host nation France pushing for a joint statement outlining steps to strengthen supply chain resilience and protect Western economies from potential market disruptions.
The talks, held in Evian-les-Bains from June 15 to 17, come amid growing concern over vulnerabilities exposed in global supply chains, particularly in sectors such as defence, energy and advanced technology. French officials said negotiations were underway on language that would emphasise economic sovereignty and coordinated action among member states.
The urgency of the debate was heightened after China imposed export restrictions on certain rare earth products in 2025, including permanent magnets used in high-tech manufacturing. Beijing has also tightened export rules on other strategic materials such as tungsten and antimony in recent years.
In response, G7 countries have been exploring a range of measures, including investment incentives, subsidies and guaranteed procurement schemes aimed at boosting mining, processing and recycling capacity outside China. The United States has also proposed the creation of a critical minerals trading bloc, though differences persist among allies over how such a framework would function.
Beyond minerals, G7 leaders are also expected to address broader concerns over global economic imbalances, particularly China’s expanding industrial surplus. The European Union recorded a record trade deficit of more than €360 billion with China last year. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the situation was “not sustainable,” reiterating the EU’s strategy of “de-risking rather than decoupling” from China.
In addition to trade and minerals, G7 leaders are expected to discuss artificial intelligence over lunch on Wednesday, focusing on issues such as accountability for AI systems and distinguishing between real and synthetic content. Prominent tech executives, including OpenAI founder Sam Altman and Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei, are expected to attend the discussions.
