In February 2026, the United States at the inaugural Critical Minerals Ministerial sought to rally more than 50 countries and the European Union around a landmark framework to loosen China’s control over the global critical minerals trade. The effort aims to counter Beijing’s dominance in the sector.
In February 2026, the United States hosted the inaugural Critical Minerals Ministerial, aiming to unite international allies to reduce China’s dominance in critical minerals supply chains. Reports indicate the US pushed a framework involving more than 50 countries and the European Union to reform the global critical minerals trade structure.
This initiative occurs amid ongoing US-China competition in economic and technological spheres. The South China Morning Post highlighted developments from China’s grip on minerals to the US’ Apec plans as key stories from overseas correspondents in the first half of February 2026. Related coverage includes President Donald Trump facing rare pushback within his party over tariffs, with his popularity slipping; and US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warning of China’s potential challenge to US pre-eminence in digital assets, aligning with Trump’s goal to make the US the “crypto capital of the world”.
Bessent told the Senate Banking Committee in February that he “would not be surprised” if China is already exploring such ways. These developments underscore tensions between the US and China in minerals, digital assets, and trade policies. The US critical minerals plan is seen as a strategic step to counter Chinese influence, though specific details and allies’ responses are not detailed in the sources.
Reports note that more US lawmakers are willing to risk Trump’s wrath on tariff policy, reflecting how domestic politics shapes approaches to China.
