United States and Australia sign critical-minerals agreement as a way to counter China
President Donald Trump and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese have signed a critical-minerals deal at the White House. The United States is eyeing Australia’s rare-earth resources as China imposes stricter export rules on its critical minerals. Monday’s White House meeting comes after Beijing announced this month foreign companies must get approval to export magnets with rare-earth materials from China. Trump administration officials say this gives China control over the tech supply chain. The director of the White House’s National Economic Council says Australia can help reduce global economic risks. Discussions are expected on the AUKUS security pact. Trump hasn’t said anything about whether he would keep AUKUS, which was signed under the Biden administration.