"During his trip through Asia this week, President Trump signed agreements about rare earths with several nations. It's part of an effort to reduce U.S. reliance on China for the elements, which are critical to make everything from electric vehicles to jet fighters. The agreements are short on detail and with a long timeline. NPR's international affairs correspondent Jackie Northam reports."
"I think it's very much a challenge to China and is designed to help strengthen the U.S.' hand in advance of Trump-Xi meetings this week."
"So partnering with Japan to try and help it cross the final chasm of reliance on China dovetails with the U.S.' own interests that can help undermine or erode China's dominance longer-term."
President Trump signed rare earth agreements with Japan, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia aimed at reducing U.S. dependence on China for critical elements used in electric vehicles, jet fighters and other technologies. The agreements vary by country: Thailand serves as a processing hub, Malaysia has abundant resources but needs investment and infrastructure, and Japan produces permanent magnets yet relies on Chinese suppliers. The deals are short on detail and involve long timelines, offering strategic signaling and potential long-term diversification but are unlikely to quickly or substantially erode China’s current dominance in the rare earth supply chain.
Read at www.npr.org
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