Dear Focus Reader,

This week, global leaders gathered for the G7 Summit in France, where discussions focused on security, trade resilience, and supply chain dependencies. U.S. President Donald Trump said, "We found a great deal of unity here at the G7," adding that the meeting "could not have come at a better time," as leaders addressed overlapping geopolitical concerns.

China, though not a member of the G7, featured prominently across discussions on security, trade imbalances, critical minerals, and the risks associated with concentrated supply chains.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also voiced concerns that "market distortions" and industrial overcapacity are creating risks for global trade and supply chains, remarks widely viewed as directed at China.

Additionally, amid growing concerns over Beijing's dominance in the processing and refining of critical minerals, G7 leaders announced the creation of a Critical Minerals Alliance and a crisis-response platform designed to strengthen supply chain resilience and reduce dependence on concentrated sources of rare earths and other key manufacturing inputs.

China, meanwhile, has continued to criticize the G7 as an exclusive bloc that does not adequately reflect the interests of developing economies, while objecting to initiatives it views as targeting China's economic and technological rise.

Discussions were also shaped by this week's announcement of a 14-point Memorandum of Understanding between the United States and Iran, outlining a phased framework to end hostilities, reopen the Strait of Hormuz to commercial shipping, and begin conditional sanctions relief. At the Summit, Trump highlighted the role of major powers in the diplomatic effort, and thanked Chinese President Xi Jinping for remaining "totally neutral" during the conflict.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry said Beijing appreciated mediation efforts and was willing to continue playing a constructive role in promoting peace and stability in the Gulf region.

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