European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen found mutual understanding with President Donald Trump on China’s trade policies during the G7 conference, declaring “Donald is right” about China’s export controls. While the two leaders engaged in discussions on the global economy and geopolitical tensions, von der Leyen emphasized the urgent need for coordinated international action against China’s manipulation of global trade rules, which, she argued, could disrupt critical supply chains for industries ranging from renewable energy to automotive. The G7 summit, held in Canada, offered a rare opportunity for the EU and the U.S. to align on addressing shared concerns about China’s export restrictions, particularly in materials crucial for batteries, wind turbines, and electric vehicles.
During the summit, von der Leyen referenced recent export controls imposed by China on permanent magnets, which are essential for electric vehicles and renewable energy technologies. She accused China of