China opposes the US plan for critical mineral reserves

The ongoing major geopolitical tensions surrounding the supply of critical minerals continue. The U.S. administration is preparing to launch its strategy to create a critical minerals reserve with an initial allocation of $12 billion, which has become the subject of an official statement from China. China, which dominates the global market for these raw materials, responds cautiously and in detail to this move.

China Emphasizes Its Role in Global Stability

During a press conference on February 3rd, spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Lin Jian, expressed China’s position. According to available information, journalists asked about the details of the American initiative. Lin Jian emphasized China’s fundamental principle: “We maintain our stance on preserving stability and security in the global supply chain of critical minerals. All participants in the global market have a responsibility to contribute constructively to this process.”

This statement reflects China’s approach to trade and raw material issues, which go beyond purely economic dimensions and touch on national security interests. Critical minerals, including rare earth elements, are essential for manufacturing semiconductors, batteries, and other high-tech devices.

The American Plan in the Context of Decoupling from China

America’s effort to establish its own critical minerals reserve symbolizes an attempt to reduce strategic dependence on Chinese sources. Washington is aware that without access to these raw materials, it cannot ensure its technological security and competitiveness. At the same time, such a move could destabilize the current structure of the global supply chain, on which many countries rely.

China is carefully measuring its responses to emphasize its approach to the responsibility of all parties, while implicitly signaling that unilateral steps could have negative consequences. In this way, China positions itself as a proponent of a multilateral approach to solving issues related to critical materials on the international stage.