During ongoing talks, officials praised what they described as a renewed diplomatic breakthrough aimed at easing tensions with Iran, calling it a step toward stabilising security in the Middle East.
However, attention quickly shifted to China’s tightening grip on global supplies of essential minerals used in electronics, renewable energy technologies, and defence manufacturing. Several leaders warned that the dependency poses a strategic risk to Western economies.
Diplomats said the issue of mineral supply security is now being treated as a priority agenda item, with proposals under consideration to diversify sourcing and boost domestic production across G7 nations.
Trade ministers also discussed coordinated responses, including investment in alternative mining projects and strengthening partnerships with resource-rich countries outside China’s influence.