Archive · 31 Jul 2026
US Urges China to Honor Rare Earth Commitments Ahead of Trump‑Xi Summit
The United States is telling China that it must keep its promises about sending rare earth minerals and buying American food.
This is important because many gadgets and cars need these minerals.
The US officials talked to Chinese leaders before a big meeting between President Trump and President Xi in September.
China says it is worried about new US trade rules that might hurt its companies.
Both sides want to keep trading peacefully, but they still have disagreements about taxes and technology.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warned China it must honor rare earth and agricultural commitments.
The warning comes as the US and China prepare for a possible Trump‑Xi summit in September 2025.
China dominates the global supply of rare earth minerals, making its export policies closely watched by the US.
Both sides have raised concerns about each other's trade restrictions and export controls.
The talks aim to strengthen communication and build trust through existing consultation channels.
- Who
- US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng, US President Donald Trump, Chinese President Xi Jinping
- What
- US warns China it expects Beijing to meet its commitments on rare earths and US agricultural products ahead of a possible September summit
- When
- September 2025 (potential summit), with talks occurring in late August 2024
- Where
- Washington, D.C. and Beijing, China
- Why
- To secure reliable access to rare earth minerals for US industries and to address trade tensions under the November 2025 truce
- Key Issue
- Rare earths and US agricultural product commitments
- Potential Meeting
- September 2025
- US Official
- Scott Bessent
- China Official
- He Lifeng
- Trade Truce
- November 2025
- US President
- Donald Trump
- China President
- Xi Jinping