US‑China rivalry spikes over critical minerals investment

During a televised address, Trump unveiled a $3 billion plan to fund mining, processing and battery‑manufacturing facilities across the United States, targeting rare‑earths, lithium and cobalt.

The funding aims to cut China’s grip on the supply chain for weapons‑grade components and electric‑vehicle batteries.

Industry analysts say the investment could accelerate the domestic clean‑energy transition but warn of possible trade retaliation from Beijing.

The move aligns with broader U.S. strategies to secure strategic resources and bolster defense‑industrial capacity.