US says rare earths agreement with China remains in force

Rare earths agreement between US and China will remain in force, with both sides expected to announce new forums aimed at promoting trade and investment cooperation during Trump’s two-day visit to China this week.

US officials said the two countries will discuss extending a truce in their trade dispute that currently allows the continued flow of minerals from China to the United States, Caliber.Az reports, citing Reuters.

According to them, China may unveil purchases involving Boeing aircraft, US agricultural goods and energy products.

US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping are expected to discuss Iran, Taiwan, artificial intelligence and nuclear weapons as well.

The meeting will mark the first face-to-face talks between the leaders in more than six months as Washington and Beijing seek to stabilise relations strained by trade disputes, the Iran conflict and broader geopolitical tensions.

Trump is due to arrive in Beijing on May 13, with talks scheduled for May 14 and May 15. It will be his first visit to China since 2017.

Iran is likely to feature prominently in the discussions. Washington has urged Beijing to use its influence with Tehran to help de-escalate tensions following the US and Israeli strikes on Iran earlier this year.

US officials also said Trump is expected to raise concerns over China’s ties with Russia, including trade involving dual-use technologies and components.

Taiwan remains another major source of tension between the two powers. Beijing has increased military activity near the island in recent years, while the United States continues to support Taiwan militarily and politically.

The talks are also expected to touch on artificial intelligence, with Washington reportedly seeking to establish a communication channel with Beijing to avoid potential conflicts linked to advanced AI systems.

Nuclear weapons may also be discussed, although US officials said China remains reluctant to engage in formal arms-control negotiations.

Trump and Xi last met in October in South Korea, where they agreed to pause an escalating trade conflict that had included major tariffs and threats over rare earth supplies.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov