#china#unitedstates#xijinping Chinese rare-earth magnet shipments to the United States fell to approximately 512 tonnes in August—down 20 per cent from July and 13 per cent from a year earlier—just days before Xi Jinping’s summit with Donald Trump in Washington. The specialised magnets are essential to electric vehicles, semiconductors, wind turbines, medical equipment and advanced weapons including missiles, fighter aircraft and military drones. Washington accuses Beijing of failing to provide the uninterrupted access promised under last year’s trade understanding, while China says American restrictions targeting its technology companies violated the same agreement. Export licensing has consequently become Beijing’s answer to U.S. tariffs, sanctions and technology controls. Trump can threaten further economic punishment, but Xi enters the summit holding control over materials America cannot quickly mine, refine or manufacture for itself.
AI Generated·May contain errors
Days before Xi Jinping meets Donald Trump in Washington, China is reminding America
where one of its most dangerous industrial vulnerabilities lies.
Chinese shipments of rare earth magnets to the United States fell to approximately 512 tons
in August, down 20 percent from July and 13 percent from the same month last year,
according to Chinese customs data. These are not ordinary exports. Rare earth magnets are
essential for electric vehicles, wind turbines, semiconductors, medical equipment and advanced
weapons, including missiles, fighter aircraft and military drones. The decline follows reports
that some Chinese suppliers have refused to accept American orders because they fear punishment from
Beijing or cannot guarantee that the material will not reach sanctioned U.S. users.
Washington claims Beijing has failed to provide the uninterrupted access
promised under the trade truce agreed by Trump and Xi in Busan last year.
Beijing disputes that account. Beijing says American restrictions targeting Chinese
electronics laboratories, drones, telecommunications equipment and advanced
robotics violated the same understanding. Export licensing has therefore become a powerful
counterweight to Washington's tariffs, sanctions and technology controls. Some American companies
have reportedly waited more than six months for approvals, while supplies of critical materials
such as yttrium remain far below earlier levels. China says it remains committed to maintaining
global mineral supply chains, but the figures show that access can tighten rapidly when relations
deteriorate. The timing gives the September 24 Trump-Xi summit additional urgency. Rare earths
are expected to sit alongside tariffs, artificial intelligence, Taiwan and technology restrictions
on the negotiating table. Washington and its allies are investing heavily in alternative
mines and processing facilities, but replacing China's vast refining and manufacturing network
could take years. Trump can threaten higher tariffs, he can impose more sanctions,
but Xi arrives in Washington holding something America cannot quickly manufacture at home,
the materials powering its factories, its technology and a growing share of its military arsenal.
In recent years, the global south has grown significantly, driving a profound adjustment
in the balance of international power. The trend toward a multipolar world is irreversible.
What kind of multipolarity does the world need? How should countries participate in
and promote multipolarity? The international community should build consensus
and make the right choices that can stand the test of practice
and history. On the 25th anniversary of our organization, I would like to thank President
Japarov for his warm invitation and the Kyrgyz government for its thoughtful arrangements.
This meeting focuses on strengthening the role of the UN and building a multipolar world,
demonstrating the SCO's commitment to reforming and improving global governance.
Currently, the world is undergoing rapid changes unseen in a century,
with hegemonism, unilateralism and protectionism on the rise. But the vast majority of countries
do not agree with power politics, do not want conflict and confrontation,
and are unwilling to be closed and backward. Instead, they look forward to having an equal
place on the world stage through their own development and international cooperation.
In recent years, the global South has grown significantly,
driving a profound adjustment in the balance of international power.
The trend toward a multipolar world is irreversible. What kind of multipolarity
does the world need? How should countries participate in and promote multipolarity?
The international community should build consensus and make the right choices
that can stand the test of practice and history. As a responsible major country,
China actively advocates for an equal and orderly multipolar world.
Sovereign equality and mutual respect are the fundamental principles.
World history is written by the people of all countries. A multipolar world,
independent development paths and democratic international relations are the right path
for humanity. We must insist that all countries, regardless of size, strength or wealth,
have equal rights, equal opportunities and equal rules.
The global South countries are an important part of the multipolar landscape
and a key force in promoting multipolarity. They should have greater representation and voice
in international affairs. A balanced and orderly approach and compliance with the rule of law
are essential requirements. The purposes and principles of the UN Charter establish the
norms of international relations and are the cornerstone of the post-war international order.
We must promote the common values of humanity and reject double standards, exceptionalism,
interference, bullying and the law of the jungle, and promote the rule of law
in international relations. Major countries in particular must take the lead in abiding by rules
and the rule of law and cooperate to address global challenges. Multilateralism,
dialogue and consultation are the key paths. It is a historical injustice for a few countries
to dominate international affairs.