China’s top diplomat meets U.S. ambassador amid critical minerals dispute

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with U.S. Ambassador David Perdue on Tuesday in a meeting that underscored both the hope for improved bilateral relations and the mounting strain over critical mineral exports.

The meeting comes at a sensitive moment, as China continues to tighten controls on key mineral resources, triggering renewed friction with Washington.

During the talks in Beijing, Wang emphasized China’s commitment to fostering “healthy and sustainable” ties with the United States, expressing hope that both countries could steer their relationship back toward stability. “Mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and win-win cooperation should be the guiding principles,” Wang said, according to a statement from the Foreign Ministry.

However, the conciliatory tone contrasted sharply with ongoing tensions surrounding China’s recent actions in the critical minerals sector. The U.S. has accused Beijing of reneging on commitments made last month during a high-level trade meeting in Geneva, where both sides agreed to ease restrictions on the export of seven key minerals essential to high-tech manufacturing, green energy, and defence industries.

In recent weeks, China has moved to tighten its control over these materials, launching a domestic crackdown on illegal mining operations and strengthening oversight on rare earth producers. Chinese officials argue these actions are aimed at environmental protection and national security, but U.S. trade representatives view them as an indirect form of economic coercion.

The minerals at the centre of the dispute - including gallium, germanium, and rare earth elements - are vital for semiconductors, electric vehicle batteries, missile guidance systems, and other critical technologies. China controls a substantial portion of the world’s supply and processing capacity, making its trade policies a significant factor in global economic stability.

While Ambassador Perdue echoed Wang’s call for improved ties, he reportedly raised concerns over the lack of follow-through on the Geneva agreement and reiterated the United States’ position that stable trade in strategic materials is essential for global markets and mutual trust.

The meeting is seen as part of a broader diplomatic push by both sides to manage competition while avoiding escalation. President Trump is expected to speak directly with President Xi Jinping later this week, with trade disputes - including the mineral export row - likely to dominate the agenda.

As tensions rise over strategic resources, both Washington and Beijing face the challenge of balancing national security with the urgent need for cooperation in a deeply interconnected global economy.

Read next

19:27

World News

China plans tariff-free trade with all 53 African partner countries

China is set to eliminate tariffs for all 53 African countries it has diplomatic ties with, offering duty-free access not just to the poorest nations but also to middle-income economies.

15:30

Dollar weakens

Euro hits 4-year high as dollar weakens on trade

The euro surged to its highest level in nearly four years against the U.S. dollar, as global investors turned to safe-haven assets amid growing geopolitical tensions and uncertainty surrounding the U.S.-China trade deal.

12:09

China-U.S.

Two can play that game: China follows U.S. playbook on export controls

For years, companies have navigated stringent U.S. data requirements for sensitive exports. Now, in a significant turn, China is implementing a similar system for its critical rare earth minerals, asking Western firms for proprietary business information and signaling a new global standard.

10:50

China-Africa

China announces zero-tariff policy for 53 African nations

The Chinese government has announced it will grant zero-tariff treatment for 100% of tariff lines to 53 African countries with which it has diplomatic relations.

21:15

World News

Germany supports U.S.-China rare-earth agreement and urges EU dialogue

Germany has welcomed the rare-earth trade truce between China and the U.S., calling it a positive step that could inspire similar progress in EU-U.S. talks.