China is defending its handling of rare earths and magnets after a top House Republican called for President Donald Trump to limit Beijing’s landing rights and access to the U.S. airspace sector until the country eases restrictions on rare earths and magnets.
Rep. John Moolenaar, the Republican chair of the House Select Committee on China, warned Trump in a letter Friday that China continues to “weaponize” critical mineral supply chains through licensing delays and denials, and called on the administration to take action until Beijing lifts those limitations.
“This deliberate squeeze mirrors other coercive actions by Beijing in the past and is part of the Chinese Communist Party’s playbook,” the Michigan lawmaker wrote. “To respond, I urge you to launch a coordinated effort, beginning with the G7 and extending to other coalitions such as the Quad and NATO, to consider reciprocal measures.”
The White House did not immediately respond when asked about Moolenaar’s request.
