Marco Rubio Seeks Critical Minerals in Central Asia to Reduce Reliance on China

Secretary of State Marco Rubio is visiting Central Asia to strengthen economic partnerships, secure critical mineral supplies and reduce America's reliance on foreign rivals like China. During meetings with diplomats from five countries, Rubio announced plans to improve the Trans-Caspian trade route and expand cooperation on energy and critical minerals. American business leaders also joined the trip as potential deals worth billions of dollars were discussed.

Rubio also addressed reports of a pause in U.S. intelligence sharing with Ukraine, attributing the issue to a software problem involving an early warning system. He reaffirmed President Trump's commitment to ending the war between Russia and Ukraine.