In a significant move that defies the United States, the Group of 20 nations has drafted a declaration calling for greater protection of critical minerals from sweeping unilateral trade restrictions. The decision, spearheaded by host nation South Africa, comes despite a formal boycott of the Johannesburg summit by the U.S.
A Stand Against Unilateral Trade Actions
The proposed draft document, seen by Bloomberg News, contains a clear, veiled reference to the export curbs unleashed by China during the trade war with the former Trump administration. The G20 stated it seeks to ensure that the value chain of critical minerals can better withstand disruptions, specifically naming "unilateral trade measures inconsistent with WTO Rules" as a key threat, alongside geopolitical tensions and natural disasters.
This marks a substantial escalation in the forum's focus on the issue. While last year's summit in Brazil mentioned critical minerals once in the context of "responsible supply chains," this year's draft dedicates an entire four-point section to the subject, reflecting how global tensions have intensified.
Context of China's Export Weaponization
The declaration follows real-world disruptions that highlighted the fragility of global supply chains. Earlier this year, China weaponized its dominant position by imposing a license system that throttled global access to metals essential for manufacturing everything from consumer electronics to defense systems.
The timing of the G20's statement is notable, as it comes just after U.S. President Donald Trump claimed last month that a truce with Chinese President Xi Jinping had restored access to these vital resources for America and "the world." The summit itself is proceeding without President Xi, who sent Premier Li Qiang in his place.
A Defiant Move by South Africa
The drafting of the declaration is a direct act of defiance. Washington had formally urged South Africa in a letter not to publish any joint statement, arguing it would not reflect U.S. views and explicitly opposing "the issuance of any G20 summit outcome document under the premise of a consensus G20 position, without U.S. agreement." South Africa proceeded regardless.
Beyond critical minerals, the draft declaration also made a tepid reference to the war in Ukraine and other conflicts, emphasizing respect for UN principles like territorial integrity and sovereignty, and condemning attacks on civilians.
The proposed text includes a voluntary, non-binding blueprint aimed at ensuring that critical mineral resources "become a driver of prosperity and sustainable development," signaling a desire to turn a point of conflict into an opportunity for cooperative growth.
