China Launches 19-Nation Mining Partnership Amid Rare Earths Dominance Debate
China's Premier Li Qiang unveiled a strategic mining alliance spanning 19 nations during Africa's inaugural G-20 summit, countering Western efforts to diversify critical mineral supply chains. The MOVE comes as Beijing faces mounting scrutiny over its export controls on rare earth elements—materials crucial for defense technologies and consumer electronics.
Li framed China's export restrictions as necessary security measures while offering developing nations greater participation in the industry's value chain. "We'll promote mutually beneficial cooperation and peaceful use of key minerals," he declared, positioning China as a guardian of emerging economies' interests.
The initiative directly challenges U.S.-led attempts to build alternative supply networks. European manufacturers, particularly in Germany and Japan, remain wary after Chinese export policies disrupted production lines for precision components.
