Brazil and Kenya defend China ties at G7 summit

At the G7 summit in France, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Kenyan President William Samoei Ruto, attending as invited guests, defended the partnerships their countries maintain with China. They countered criticism from G7 leaders who say China’s large trade surplus, low domestic consumption and currency policies create macro‑economic imbalances that hurt the United States and Europe. Lula said the Chinese economy, portrayed by the West as a threat, is an opportunity for developing nations, noting that Chinese firms are the biggest investors in infrastructure, energy and industry across Africa and Latin America.

The G7 documents highlighted a projected US$ 1.2 trillion surplus for China in 2025 and expressed concern over its dominance in rare‑earth minerals, electric‑vehicle supply chains and the devaluation of the renminbi. In response, the Chinese foreign ministry insisted its trade practices meet international norms. The summit also adopted a plan to cut reliance on Chinese critical minerals to below 60 % of global supply by 2030, aiming for 50 % as soon as possible, a move Brazil views as a chance to expand its own mineral sector. Brazil signed three of the nine G7 documents (cancer, child‑online safety and narcotrafficking) while declining the others, arguing they reflect a worldview exclusive to rich nations.