John Kirton

G7 leaders, including Donald Trump, are meeting without China, despite its significant economic influence. The article examines whether China's exclusion undermines the G7's relevance, noting its economy now surpasses several G7 members, though the group remains exclusive to democracies. China's role in global trade and rare minerals is a key discussion point.

Trump and G7 leaders are meeting without China, which was excluded from the original 1975 summit. China's growing economic influence, including a $1.2 trillion trade surplus and control over rare minerals, has sparked debate about its potential inclusion. However, the G7's informal rule of membership limited to democracies excludes China under current leadership.