South Korea Chairs the Critical Minerals Alliance: China's Position

fork_in_the_road · 2026-02-14T23:03:33+00:00

On February 5, the U.S. formalized an alliance for critical minerals, with South Korea presiding until June 2025, aiming to strengthen Western control over essential resources. China's response emphasizes the need for an open trade system and concerns about economic fragmentation.

fork_in_the_road

2026-02-14 23:03:33

Abstract generation in progress

On February 5th, the United States formalized the establishment of an alliance dedicated to critical minerals, assigning South Korea the role of chairing the group until June 2025. This move represents an attempt to consolidate Western control over strategic resources essential for future technologies. China promptly responded through its Ministry of Foreign Affairs, emphasizing the importance of maintaining an open and inclusive international trading system.

Seoul Takes on the Role of President in the Global Initiative

The appointment of South Korea to lead the critical minerals alliance is a significant choice within the Asian geopolitical landscape. According to information released by Jin10, this leadership has a defined duration until June, indicating a structured and rotational approach to managing the international initiative. The decision to entrust coordination to Seoul reflects current geopolitical balances and the Western desire to involve Asian partners in safeguarding supply chains.

Beijing’s Response on Free Trade and Supply Chain Stability

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian, during the routine press conference, emphasized the need to preserve an international trade environment based on openness, reciprocity, and mutual benefit. He firmly stated that the stability of the global critical minerals supply chain is a shared responsibility among all nations, requiring constructive and coordinated contributions. This position highlights how Beijing views critical minerals not as geopolitical bargaining chips but as strategic resources whose availability should be managed according to principles of international fairness.

Risks of Economic Fragmentation According to Beijing

Lin Jian also expressed clear opposition to any attempt by a state to alter the international economic and trade order through the imposition of discriminatory and exclusive rules. The spokesperson implicitly referred to Chinese concerns about the formation of trade blocs that could fragment global markets. This comment reflects underlying tensions in the Sino-American competition over strategic minerals, where China aims to maintain its influence in the sector by advocating for transparency and inclusivity in the international trade mechanisms for critical materials essential to the global tech industry.

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