U.S. Assembles Rare Earths Alliance in Asia as China Tightens Control
Listen to the full version
The United States is deepening its strategic pivot to Asia by striking a series of mineral supply chain agreements designed to reduce reliance on China’s dominant position in critical minerals.
On Oct. 28, U.S. President Donald Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi signed a bilateral framework focused on securing supplies of rare earths and other essential minerals. The deal followed separate memorandums of cooperation with Malaysia and Thailand on Oct. 26 and an earlier $8.5 billion pact with Australia on Oct. 20.
Market watchers see the agreements as a concerted effort by Washington to assemble a friendly supply chain for critical minerals, prompted by China’s recent expansion of export controls on the strategic materials. The U.S.-led alliance focuses on combining American financial backing with the resources and technological strengths of its partners, creating a comprehensive supply chain spanning mining, refining, and delivery.
Unlock exclusive discounts with a Caixin group subscription — ideal for teams and organizations.
Subscribe to both Caixin Global and The Wall Street Journal — for the price of one.
- RELATED
- DIGEST HUB
Digest Hub
Back
- April 2025：
- China begins tightening export controls on rare earth elements.
- Oct. 9, 2025：
- China expands export controls to all medium and heavy rare earth elements.
- Oct. 20, 2025：
- U.S. signs $8.5 billion mineral pact with Australia.
- Oct. 26, 2025：
- U.S. signs memorandums of cooperation with Malaysia and Thailand.
- Oct. 26, 2025：
- Chinese and U.S. negotiators reach a tentative consensus.
- Oct. 28, 2025：
- U.S. President Donald Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi sign a bilateral framework on critical minerals.
- Oct. 29, 2025：
- Lynas announces A$180 million investment in a new rare earth plant in Malaysia, scheduled to open in April 2026.
- Oct. 29, 2025：
- Thailand's Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul clarifies that the U.S.-Thailand framework is nonbinding.
- Oct. 29, 2025：
- China's foreign ministry confirms that U.S. and Chinese leaders will meet in Busan, South Korea, on Oct. 30, 2025.
- Oct. 30, 2025：
- Leaders from the U.S. and China are scheduled to meet in Busan, South Korea.
- PODCAST
- MOST POPULAR
Sign in with Google
Sign in with Facebook
Sign in with 财新