US and G7 Aim to Cut Critical Mineral Dependence on China

At a recent G7 summit, leaders examined the urgent need to rebuild supply chains for critical minerals outside of China. The United States, drawing on Vice President J.D. Vance’s framework, warned that dependence on Chinese rare‑earths, gallium, germanium, graphite and antimony threatens national security, especially after Beijing imposed new export controls.

The administration is pushing a Western partnership that could use purchase guarantees, tax incentives, Defense Production Act authority and strategic investments to boost mining and processing in the United States, Canada, Japan, Australia and Europe. While allies have voiced concerns about the costs, governance structures and possible government intervention, officials argue that the economic and security risks of continued Chinese dominance outweigh the investment required.