China on Friday blasted President Donald Trump’s move to unleash deep-sea mining in international waters, calling the move a “selfish” and illegal act that violates international law.
“The U.S. move to authorize exploration and exploitation of mineral resources on its so-called ‘extended continental shelf’ violates international law and harms the collective interests of the international community,” Guo Jiakun, a spokesperson for China’s Foreign Ministry, told reporters at a press conference.
“The U.S. move is a unilateral practice and once again reveals its hegemonic nature,” Guo said. “It shows the U.S. would brush aside international law and international order in pursuit of its selfish interests.”
The race between the U.S. and China to secure critical minerals needed for energy and military equipment tied to national security is accelerating as Trump moves to open public lands and waters, and now waters outside the Outer Continental Shelf, to mining firms.
