EU’s von der Leyen agrees with Trump on China trade: ‘Donald is right’

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen recently found common ground with President Donald Trump during the G7 conference, agreeing with his stance on China’s trade policies. Von der Leyen acknowledged that China’s trade practices pose a serious challenge to the global economy, particularly in terms of restrictions on raw material exports that are essential for key industries like automotive, renewable energy, and electronics.

During the G7 meeting, von der Leyen emphasized the need to address China’s unfair trade practices, which include undercutting intellectual property protections, providing massive subsidies to dominate global markets, and flooding the market with cheap, subsidized products. She warned against the potential impact of a “new China shock” on global trade dynamics and stressed the importance of upholding global trade rules.

While von der Leyen has previously clashed with Trump over trade issues, she expressed optimism following a phone call with the U.S. President ahead of the G7 summit. The two leaders discussed the geopolitical situation in the Middle East, energy markets, the conflict in Ukraine, and ongoing trade negotiations. Von der Leyen reiterated the EU’s commitment to reaching a fair trade deal with the U.S. before July 9.

Trump’s abrupt departure from the G7 summit was attributed to escalating tensions between Israel and Iran, following Israeli airstrikes on Iranian targets. The U.S. President emphasized the importance of preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons and urged immediate evacuation of Tehran. Trump’s return to Washington, D.C. signaled his readiness to address the crisis in the Situation Room at the White House.

The G7 summit, which was expected to focus on trade issues and geopolitical tensions, shifted its attention to the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran. Trump’s early departure underscored the urgency of the situation and his commitment to addressing security threats in the region.

In conclusion, von der Leyen’s alignment with Trump on China’s trade policies reflects a shared concern for maintaining a level playing field in global trade. The EU’s efforts to secure a fair trade deal with the U.S. and address emerging geopolitical challenges demonstrate a commitment to fostering stability and cooperation in international relations.