European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen praised President Donald Trump’s hard stance on China, agreeing that the Chinese government poses a serious threat to global trade stability.
“On this point, Donald is right — there is a serious problem,” von der Leyen said Tuesday during the G7 summit in Alberta, Canada.
The EU chief was referencing Beijing’s trade practices and its increasing control over critical raw material exports.
The comments, first reported by Politico, came during a series of meetings attended by Trump before his sudden departure back to Washington, D.C., amid escalating tensions in the Middle East.
Von der Leyen criticized China for what she described as “weaponizing” its dominance in critical raw materials, including exports vital to the production of electric vehicles and renewable energy technologies.
China recently restricted the export of permanent magnets, a key component used in motors and turbines, fueling concerns among U.S. and EU officials.
“When we focus our attention on tariffs between partners, it diverts our energy from the real challenge — one that threatens us all,” von der Leyen said, shifting focus toward what she called “distortion with intent” by the Chinese Communist Party.
She also accused Beijing of undercutting intellectual property protections, deploying sweeping subsidies, and attempting to dominate global manufacturing and supply chains, echoing many of Trump’s long-held positions.
The statements mark a notable shift in tone from the EU leader, who earlier this year clashed with Trump over U.S. tariff policies.
Despite this, von der Leyen reported a positive pre-summit call with Trump.
In a post on X, she noted “close coordination” on trade, energy markets, and the war in Ukraine.
Good call with President Trump ahead of the G7 Summit.
We discussed the tense geopolitical situation in the Middle East as well as the need for close coordination on the impact on energy markets.
We also discussed the situation in Ukraine, the imperative for a ceasefire and the…
— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) June 14, 2025
Trump, however, remained firm during the summit, telling reporters that the EU had failed to offer a fair trade agreement.
“They’re either going to make a good deal, or they’ll just pay whatever we say they have to pay,” Trump told reporters onboard Air Force One after departing the G7 summit.
The president has previously floated tariffs as high as 50% on EU imports if an agreement is not reached by July 9.
While the summit was initially set to focus on economic ties, the war in Ukraine, and energy markets, urgent developments in the Middle East dominated the agenda following Israel’s preemptive strikes on Iran late last week.
Amid fears of Iranian nuclear advancement and mounting regional instability, Trump left the summit abruptly Monday evening, returning to Washington, D.C., to manage the crisis.
“IRAN CAN NOT HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON,” Trump posted to Truth Social en route to the capital.
“I said it over and over again!
“Everyone should immediately evacuate Tehran!”
When asked why he left the G7 early, Trump told reporters Tuesday:
“I don’t believe in telephones.
“Being on the scene is much better.
“And we did everything I had to do at the G7.
“We had a good G7,” he noted.
Trump is expected to head directly to the White House Situation Room for high-level national security briefings as tensions escalate in the Middle East.
The administration has not confirmed whether any additional military or diplomatic actions are imminent.
Meanwhile, the G7 continues without the president.
The remaining world leaders are expected to release a joint statement on trade and security by Tuesday evening.
