Call for the Protection of Critical Minerals at the G20 Summit

Call for Urgent Action on Critical Minerals at G20 Summit

G20 countries made a significant call for the protection of critical minerals, emphasizing the need to create stronger defense mechanisms against unilateral trade measures.

Geopolitical Tensions and Supply Chain

According to a draft statement recently published by Bloomberg News, it was noted that the supply chains of these minerals need to be made resilient against negative impacts such as geopolitical tensions, trade measures inconsistent with World Trade Organization (WTO) rules, pandemics, and natural disasters.

Attention to Trade Wars

This situation refers back to the trade wars during the tenure of former US President Donald Trump, raising concerns about China’s extensive export restrictions.

Special Section in New Summit

The statement indicates that critical minerals, which were addressed with only one item at last year's Brazil summit, are now covered in a four-article special section. This section also proposes a plan for making critical mineral resources an essential element of "prosperity and sustainable development."

China's Strategic Moves

Earlier this year, amid rising trade tensions, China introduced a licensing system that limits global access to the metals necessary for a range of products from missiles to cell phones, using its control over critical minerals as a lever.

Ukraine-Russia Issue to be Addressed at the Summit

At the G20 Summit, US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping have announced that they will not be attending the summit. European leaders will set their agenda considering the current situation regarding Ukraine.

The statement cautiously addresses the war and other conflicts, emphasizing territorial integrity and state sovereignty. It points to the principles of the United Nations (UN) while condemning attacks on civilians.