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Jun 18, 2026 Major2
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China Urges G7 to Uphold Market Principles Amid Critical Minerals Divergence
China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian called on the G7 to uphold market economy principles and abandon "small circle" rules, responding to the bloc's statement on reducing dependence on Chinese critical minerals. Beijing maintains its commitment to global supply chain stability while defending its export control practices.
Quick Facts
Who
Lin Jian
What
G7 issued statement on reducing reliance on Chinese critical minerals
When
June 18, 2026
Where
Beijing
- G7 issued statement on reducing reliance on Chinese critical minerals
- Chinese Foreign Ministry called on G7 to adhere to market economy principles
- Lin criticized "small circle" or "small clique" rules undermining global trade order
- China reaffirmed commitment to global supply chain stability
- Lin justified China's export control system standardization
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian on Thursday called on the Group of Seven to adhere to market economy principles and international trade rules, criticizing what he characterized as "small circle" or "small clique" rules that undermine the global trade order. His remarks came in response to a G7 summit statement focused on reducing member countries' reliance on Chinese rare earths and critical minerals as a single supplier.
Lin emphasized that China's commitment to maintaining the stability and security of global supply chains for critical minerals remains unchanged. He stated that all parties bear responsibility for playing a constructive role in safeguarding these supply chains. The spokesperson framed China's efforts to standardize and improve its export control system as consistent with international practices and aimed at maintaining world peace and regional stability while fulfilling non-proliferation obligations.
The exchange reflects growing tensions between China and Western democracies over supply chain resilience and strategic autonomy. While the G7 seeks to diversify its sources for critical minerals to reduce vulnerability to Chinese supply disruptions, Beijing argues such moves constitute protectionist "small circle" tactics that contradict free market principles. Lin reiterated that China's position on global supply chain stability for critical minerals has not wavered, signaling Beijing's intent to remain a key player in the international critical minerals trade.
Why This Matters
This dispute reveals fundamental disagreements between China and Western democracies over supply chain sovereignty and strategic competition. The G7's effort to diversify critical minerals supplies directly threatens China's economic leverage in global markets, while Beijing's pushback signals its determination to resist what it views as economic decoupling. For investors and businesses, this escalation increases risks of supply chain fragmentation, potential retaliatory trade measures, and accelerated regional partnerships that bypass traditional Chinese suppliers—reshaping global procurement strategies for decades.
Timeline & Sources
Jun 18, 2026
WireChinese response to G7 summit statement on reducing reliance on Chinese critical minerals
Jun 18, 2026
WireLin Jian makes remarks at Chinese Foreign Ministry regular news briefing calling on G7 to adhere to market economy principles