Trump-Xi meeting in South Korea

Tensions between the US and China are back in the spotlight as Trump and Xi prepare to meet in South Korea.

The talks come after weeks of trade escalation The US expanded export controls, which Beijing saw as a major provocation, and China responded with new rules on licensing agreements for critical minerals, a situation Ian describes as “a bit of miscommunication.”

Ian explains that the confusion was fueled by the fact that “you don’t have trusted regular engagement like you did at the end of the Biden administration,” making it easier for actions and tweets to be misinterpreted.

Still, Ian emphasizes that both sides “want to get to yes.” With the US still developing domestic rare earth production and China facing slowing growth, neither economy can afford further shocks.