Paris G7 Pushes Back on China’s Grip on Critical Minerals G7 trade ministers met in Paris to address concerns regarding China’s control over critical mineral supply chains, essential for various industries and defense systems. The bloc issued a joint statement expressing grave concerns about economic coercion and pledged to take action against it. This meeting sets the stage for a leaders’ summit in June.

• G7 trade ministers met in Paris on May 5-6.
• The meeting addressed concerns about China’s control over critical mineral supply chains.
• Ministers aim to push back against attempts to “weaponize economic dependencies.”
• Materials targeted include lithium, cobalt, and rare earths.
• The bloc expressed concerns about economic coercion and export restrictions.
• Ministers pledged to deter and take action against economic coercion.
• The talks prepared for a leaders’ summit in mid-June in Évian, France.