US Seeks Critical-Mineral Pacts With Japan, UK to Curb China
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The US government is exploring narrowly focused trade pacts on critical minerals with Japan and the UK, in addition to talks with the European Union, the latest salvo in its push to counter Chinese influence in key sectors, officials familiar with the matter said.
The US is looking to create a “critical minerals buyers club” with allies like the EU and Group of Seven, the US officials said, speaking on condition of anonymity. The move would ensure the bloc is not reliant on China for critical minerals, particularly as the countries look to build out renewable energy pacts, the officials said.