Rare earths will remain an “important card” for China in its relations with the United States, despite the Group of Seven’s commitment to challenge Beijing’s dominance of the critical minerals, according to a Chinese observer.

At a meeting in the Canadian city of Toronto on Friday, G7 energy ministers agreed to establish a critical minerals production alliance.

The plans include more than two dozen new investments, partnerships and measures to accelerate and unlock C$6.4 billion (US$4.57 billion) in critical mineral projects, according to the government department Natural Resources Canada.

The group – which consists of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States – also agreed to channel up to C$20.2 million into international collaboration in research and development of the commodities.

These moves “send the world a very clear message”, Canadian Energy Minister Tim Hodgson said, according to Agence France-Presse.

“We are serious about reducing market concentration and dependencies,” Hodgson said, referring to China.