"EU Chief Sides with President Trump on Trade, Issues Stern Warning to China" – Ursula von der Leyen

"EU Chief Sides with Trump on Trade, Issues Stern Warning to China" – Ursula von der Leyen
[Washington, June 18, 2025]

At the G7 Summit in Canada, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen delivered a strong message targeting China, stating unequivocally, “Donald is right”—highlighting that some of China’s trade policies now pose a serious threat to the global market. She made it clear that on several trade-related issues, she agrees with President Donald Trump.

Von der Leyen said,

“When we’re busy imposing tariffs on each other, we lose sight of the real challenge — and that’s China.”

According to Politico, she made the comment during a closed-door G7 meeting on Monday, with Trump present in the room.

She accused China of deliberately restricting exports of critical raw materials, pushing competitors out of the market, and undermining free-market economics. Specifically, she cited China's ban on exporting permanent magnets, which has placed strain on both European and American industries. In response, President Trump announced a “reciprocal tariffs” strategy to address the U.S. trade deficit.

Von der Leyen further warned,

“China is intentionally violating intellectual property rights, providing state subsidies, and trying to control global supply chains. This is not competition — this is the emergence of a ‘new China shock’.”

Notably, she had clashed with Trump over trade issues in the past, especially in April, expressing concern over his tariff policy. However, ahead of the G7 summit, she posted on X (formerly Twitter),

“Had a good conversation with President Trump. We discussed Ukraine, the Middle East crisis, and the energy market.”

Despite the ongoing summit, President Trump abruptly departed Canada on the second day — his first G7 as a second-term president. While French President Emmanuel Macron suggested Trump left to facilitate an Israel-Iran ceasefire, Trump denied this, saying,

“Wrong! He has no idea why I’m on my way back to Washington. But it’s definitely not for a ceasefire. The reason is much bigger.”

While en route back to the U.S., Trump also criticized the European Union, stating,

“The EU still hasn’t proposed a good trade deal. They’ll either make one or agree to our terms.”

He warned that without a fair agreement, the U.S. might impose tariffs of up to 50% on all EU imports.

The summit's primary agenda included global trade, the war in Ukraine, and escalating tensions in the Middle East — particularly the Iran-Israel conflict. Tensions intensified after Israel launched preemptive strikes on Iran Thursday night.

In response to the situation, Trump posted on Truth Social:

“Iran must not get nuclear weapons. I’ve said it over and over! Everyone needs to get out of Tehran now!”

Trump later explained that his decision to leave the summit was strategic:

“I don’t believe in phone calls when presence matters most.”

He added,

“I’ve done what I needed to do at the G7. It was a good summit.”

Upon returning to Washington, President Trump is scheduled to brief his national security team in the White House Situation Room, as the Iran-Israel confrontation escalates rapidly.