{
  "id": 9561484,
  "title": "A test of metal: China’s rare-earth leverage looms over Trump-Xi talks",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/24/a-test-of-metal-chinas-rare-earth-leverage-looms-over-trump-xi-talks",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-24T13:43:28.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The National UAE",
    "slug": "the-national-uae",
    "url": "https://www.thenationalnews.com/business/energy/2026/09/24/a-test-of-metal-chinas-rare-earth-leverage-looms-over-trump-xi-talks/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The recent meeting between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping is of significant importance due to China's dominance in the rare earths industry. Rare earths are critical minerals used in various advanced technologies, including electric vehicles, power grids, and defense production. China, which holds approximately 44 million tonnes of rare earth reserves, wields substantial economic leverage over the US and its allies.\n\nDuring their last meeting in April, Beijing enforced strict controls on certain rare earths and magnets, followed by additional curbs that disrupted global supply chains. Analysts warn that China's ability to throttle production and restrict exports poses a significant challenge for alternative supply chains, which take years to develop and are costly to establish.\n\nIn response to China's actions, the US has threatened additional tariffs, technology controls, and increased investment in its own industry. However, experts emphasize that these measures cannot quickly replace Chinese supply. The Council on Foreign Relations even labeled rare earths as China's \"supply chain weapon\".\n\nOther countries, such as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, are also seeking to diversify their mineral wealth and reduce dependence on Chinese processing. However, the US and its allies must approach negotiations cautiously, as China may respond asymmetrically, such as by reducing critical mineral exports.",
  "summary": "The last time presidents Donald Trump and Xi Jinping met, they emerged optimistic, even without a formal deal. Their reunion on Thursday comes with much more at stake: China’s grip on the rare earths needed to keep US factories, advanced technology and defence production running. The leaders of the world’s two largest economies reconvene at the White House with trade, artificial intelligence and…",
  "key_points": [
    "China controls 44 million tonnes of rare earth reserves, giving it economic leverage.",
    "Recent rare earth controls and curbs disrupted global supply chains in April."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Semafor",
        "title": "US allies fret their position could be weakened in China talks",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/24/us-allies-fret-their-position-could-be-weakened-in-china-talks",
        "published": "2026-09-24T10:55:41.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "The National Business",
        "title": "A test of metal: China’s rare-earth leverage looms over Trump-Xi talks",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/24/a-test-of-metal-chinas-rare-earth-leverage-looms-over-trump-xi-talks-9564511",
        "published": "2026-09-24T13:43:28.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}