Washington under Trump is eager to secure alternative supplies, but Beijing’s dominance appears too strong to break soon, observers say
4-MIN READ4-MINLaura ZhouPublished: 6:00pm, 30 Apr 2026The Donald Trump administration’s strategic interest in rare earths is pushing the US towards more pragmatic diplomacy as it seeks to rebuild critical mineral supply chains that pivot away from China, according to observers.The shift has yielded cooperation on resource projects even when broader political ties are strained, they added, saying it highlighted Washington’s eagerness to secure alternative supplies even though Beijing’s dominance in the supply chain appeared too strong to break soon.
China rebukes US for causing ‘unnecessary panic’ with remarks on rare earth controls
China rebukes US for causing ‘unnecessary panic’ with remarks on rare earth controlsRainbow Rare Earths, a London-listed mining company helping to develop the deal, said the Phalaborwa project was designed to extract rare earths from mining waste and expected to deliver some highly sought-after minerals.
