In a two‑day summit in Washington, Chinese President Xi Jinping and U .S. President Donald Trump are tackling a mix of technology, trade and Middle‑East secrity issues. Central to the negotiations is China’s control over rare‑earth minerals, a leverage point that could shape the broader economic blaance between the two powers.

Xi Jinping’s rare‑earth licensing regime on seven minerals

China has imposed export licences on seven critical rare‑earth elements, a policy that has tightened global supply and sparked shortages, according to the source report . By restricting shipments, Beijing has turned these metals into a diplomatic bargaining chip, especially as the United States seeks to diversify its supply chain.

Trump’s push for Tehran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz

President Trump is expected to urge Xi to influence Iran into accepting a peace framework that would restore navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, a chokepoint vital for oil flows. The source notes that the talks opened on an optimistic note, with the U.S. linking Chinese cooperation to a de‑escalation of the Iran‑U.S. conflict.

Potential ‘board of trade’ to manage October truce

Both sides may look to formalise a mechanism—described as a “board of trade”—to oversee the October trade‑war truce and possibly expand reductions on tariffs. the source suggests that such a body could both control and facilitate rare‑earth exchanges , offering a structured path forward.

US stance on rare‑earth policy remains unchanged

Despite the high‑level dialogue, Washington has signaled no intention to alter its existing rare‑earth strategy, according to the report. This steadfast position underscores the complexity of aligning supply‑chain security with broader geopolitical goals.

Will a rare‑earth trade board be ratified?

The prospect of a joint trade board raises specific questions: Who will appoint its members, and will it have enforcement power over licensing decisions? The source does not reveal any concrete timeline, leaving the outcome uncertain.